It was dark when I drove into the park. I thought I was alone until I saw a young man walking on the edge of the parking lot. He wasn’t dressed for exercise.

The backpack he carried looked heavy for his thin frame. I couldn’t see his face but I could tell he was anxious. He was walking around with no direction.

I got out of my car cautiously then thumbed through my Spotify stations and walked on the trail a short way while I readied my running app.

I was relieved when I saw the headlights of a small SUV turn into the park. Then I noticed the young man turn toward the vehicle and walk toward it quickly. The driver didn’t take the time to pull into a parking space. As soon as the vehicle stopped moving, she opened the door, jumped out of the driver’s seat and the two embraced.

I wanted to stop and stare. Was she a young woman? Were they lovers? Friends? Was she his mother or sister?

Instead of staring, I respected the sacredness of their moment and I started my run.

I don’t know how long the two had been separated. However long……was too long.

I know they were both happy to be reunited.

I hope they remember that blessed flash of time, that moment of love felt, when the hard work of loving continues.

Because it is work.

Relationships are the most hallowed work.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

In response to the Daily Post’s Fret