Having tasted of the love of God, the apostle John said, “… God is love; …” (1 John 4:16) Therefore, it would seem logical that the closer one comes to God, the more pure our love becomes, and the more compelling it’s power – and the more self-sacrificing its behavior.

On the day of their twentieth wedding anniversary, a warm pleasant Saturday in March, Edith and Phil decided to spend the day together. They enjoyed the time reflecting on their years together, their seven children, and the goals and dreams they had seen come to pass. Life and love, and the company of each other were wonderful. That evening they dressed up and went out.

As they were backing out of the driveway, Edith said to Phil, “Are you sure I look all right in this bright red blouse?

Phil’s reply was a classic, “You look beautiful in anything you have on.”

Those were to be the last words Edith would ever hear Phil say in this life.

As they traveled down the boulevard, an oncoming pickup truck recklessly pulled out to pass a long line of cars on a blind corner. Phil tried to avert the disaster, but it quickly became evident he could not; a crash was eminent. At the last second though, Phil threw his body across Edith – to protect her.

Edith awoke a short time later to the sound of a rescue squad cutting away the metal of her car to extricate her. She knew even without being told that Phil was gone. Yet as that knowledge came to her, a peaceful calm spirit filled her whole body.

“Phil is gone,” the Spirit whispered. “Everything will be all right. Your life is in my hands.”

Even as the tragedy impacted the lives of everyone around her, Edith remained surprisingly calm.

The next morning, at Edith’s urging, all seven of the children arose, and went to church. “That is what Dad would want us to do,” they explained.

When Edith finally returned home from the hospital a month later, she went to her bedroom, and there lying on the dresser where she had left it – was the anniversary card Phil had given her. She opened it, and once more the sweet feeling of peace born of the Spirit filled her heart as she read these words:

“I can’t comprehend what it will be like as this happiness and love continue to grow throughout the eternities. Much love, Phil.”