Julia surprised Samson by bringing him dinner. “I knew today was one of your long days, so I wanted to bring you some food.”
Julia was now acting like the woman he knew before he got married. “Thank you, baby,” Samson said.
“I’m going out there to talk to Elaine for a minute, so eat up.”
Samson watched Julia walk out of his office. His entire day up until this point had been rough. He couldn’t concentrate because he kept remembering his actions the night before. He had been so busy putting out little fires, he didn’t have time to meditate. Julia stopping by early with dinner was the only bright spot of his day.
“Elaine said it was okay to come in,” Michael said, peeking his head in the door.
“I was just eating this good food my wife brought me. Have a seat.”
“Oh, I’m not staying long. Just wanted to let you know that I am leaving early. My wife’s sister got admitted to the hospital, and I didn’t want her driving herself to the hospital.”
“Oh no, is there anything I can do?” Samson asked.
“Just pray for her, please.”
“Call me later and give me an update.” Samson stared at the doorway after Michael left his office.
Thirty minutes later, Samson and Julia entered the sanctuary to start Bible Study. The pews were not filled, but there was a big crowd for a Wednesday night. After one of the deacons led the congregation in prayer, Samson stood up to start teaching. “Tonight we’re going to be talking about ‘A Thorn in the Flesh.’”
Samson scanned the room. His eyes locked with Delilah’s. She was seated on the third row to his right. She smiled. He didn’t. He dropped his head and looked at his Bible. “Turn your Bibles to Second Corinthians, twelfth chapter. Is Paul talking about a physical ailment or is he talking about a stronghold? Let’s discuss.”
Samson took questions from members of the congregation during his lecture. “I hope our discussion tonight will help you on your daily walk with the Lord. Remember, you can’t do it by yourself. You must put on the full armor of God each and every day. Let us pray.”
When Bible Study ended, members of the congregation crowded around Samson. Delilah walked in his direction. Samson turned his back to her, hoping she would go the other way. He felt a tap on his shoulder. Samson took a deep breath ready to face Delilah. “Give me one minute,” he said without looking over his shoulder.
“Oh, I just wanted to tell you I’ll meet you at home,” Julia said.
Samson, relieved, responded, “If you’ll wait, I’ll follow you.”
“There’s no need to,” Julia assured him.
Julia and Samson hugged. With opened eyes, Samson saw Delilah standing near the front door. Their eyes met once again. She turned and walked out. Julia was the first to push away. “Wow. You act like I’m going away for a long time. I’ll see you at home, okay?”
“I love you so much,” Samson responded.
“I love you too. See you later.” Julia walked away.
Samson remained behind to talk to some of the church members. An hour later, Samson pulled up in front of his house. The lights were off, and soft music greeted him as he made his way up the stairs. A floral fragrance filled the air in the candlelit room. He could hear the shower running, so he assumed Julia was in the shower.
Knowing Julia would expect another attempt tonight, Samson opened up his briefcase and removed a Viagra pill from the bottle and hid the container back in his briefcase. Samson headed to one of the other bathrooms to freshen up. He popped the pill in his mouth and prayed it worked. Julia was still in the bathroom when he entered the bedroom. He lay across the bed and waited for her. If he could sleep with Julia, it would erase the image of Delilah in his head.
Julia, a vision of loveliness, seemed to be gliding to the bed. “I see you made it.” Her words purred with each enunciation.
“The only person missing from the party is you.”
“Let’s get this party started.”
Samson and Julia kissed. The pill hadn’t kicked in, but Samson was determined to make something happen tonight. He would not disappoint Julia again. Delilah’s naked body popped in his head. He shook his head several times, attempting to make those images disappear. They wouldn’t. Julia increased the intensity of her kiss. Samson’s body responded; he couldn’t honestly tell if it was due to Julia, the pill, or images of Delilah.
Regardless, the time they both had been waiting for was at hand. He whispered in Julia’s ear, “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” Julia answered, not trying to mask her excitement.
Their union was more than Samson could have imagined. Samson erased any thoughts of Delilah. For the first time he and his wife were together, he finally knew what it meant to make love. If he were writing a book, he would describe it as a miraculous, earth-shattering union of two souls.
Samson smiled as he saw the satisfied look on the face of his now-sleeping wife. “Thank you, Lord,” he said before drifting into a sound sleep.