The Widow’s Light Bulb

I recently read a statistic which said 9 out of 10 women will outlive their husband.  Highly alarmed, I immediately reread the information to be sure I had read correctly.  Who am I to think I will be among the 10 percent?

Last week in an effort to support my husband’s role as deacon, I attended a widow’s (widower’s) banquet.  I arrived early to assist in set-up.  I distributed warm rolls at each place setting and began to pray over those who would soon sit at each table.

I prayed five specific prayers for each attendee:

∙to delight in the food

∙to enjoy the fellowship

∙to enjoy the events of the evening

∙to be encouraged by Christ

∙to allow Steve & me to be a blessing to those at our table

After the attendees arrived and were seated at the tables, I looked around and spotted the most beautiful, graceful group of women (and men).  I fought back tears as I remembered the earlier statistic and thought this could someday be me.  Honestly, I privately grabbed my husband’s hand under the table.   Had I not wisely deemed it inappropriate, I would have physically thrown myself on him in the moment and wept with love and appreciation.

As we ended our night at the widow’s banquet I mentioned to one of the attendees that my husband is quite a handy guy and if she ever needs anything to be sure to let us know.  I specifically said: “If you ever need light bulbs changed…”  She immediately began to weep and explained that she had lived with burned out light bulbs for four years.  Not sure who to ask or hire she continued to go without.

In that moment I realized, the widow’s banquet was also for me!  I had showed up to love and encourage the widows but the Lord had used them to encourage me.  He answered every prayer I had requested earlier that night:  the food was incredibly delicious; I was encouraged beyond words by the fellowship; the talents were delightful and I hope to be allowed the awesome privilege to help change the widow’s light bulbs.  I was reminded of the blessing of marriage and that I am not promised tomorrow.

Do you cherish your husband as the gift he is intended to be?  Do you realize there could be a day you will not be able to secretly grab his hand under the table?