The other night I looked at Mr.Fantastic and said, “This love we have, the love in our family, it makes it all worthwhile. There is nothing better than to love and be loved in return.”
Sometimes your own experience places an exclamation point on God’s greatest commandment, and it all just makes perfect sense.
Mr. Fantastic and I were friends for six years before we found that love- for true, for real, beautiful love- was growing in our hearts for one another all that time.
It’s been twelve years since we made vows that will last a lifetime. The shiny, happy day we were married in the California sun is still the most wonderful memory I possess.
Every day isn’t rainbows and unicorns, though. Distractions come and as we the climb mountains of life together, out of necessity or sometimes selfishness, our focus shifts to our feet stepping up this steep hill.
Some days we’re a little less aware that our love story is still being written in the midst of the daily chaos.
That’s when my heart feels weary and discouraged. Life becomes what I must do, not what I am honored to do.
Invariably, at some point in the midst of my struggle with those feelings, I will catch a glimpse of the way he looks at me. And I remember that his eyes are the only ones that have ever really seen me, loved me, and known me.
All at once I am twenty-five again, wearing a white dress, standing under a palm tree, and in awe that a love like this has found its way to me.
Then my stomach flutters as I swoon and remember this wisdom flowing from my very core:
“Relish life with the spouse you love
Each and every day of your precarious life.
Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange
For the hard work of staying alive.
Make the most of each one!
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!
This is your last and only chance at it…”
-Ecclesiastes 9:9-10 (the Message)
To be a good, loving wife I must remain steadfast even when the mountains seem too steep, the road too long, and the path too rocky. True love is patient and long-suffering, and doesn’t cast blame or shut itself up with bitterness or unforgiveness.
Because there is nothing more precious than love that is given without conditions and received back with open hands.
I have only to look into the eyes of Love to be struck anew with His power and beauty.
We have all been seen, loved, and known. All these years love- for real, for true, the most beautiful love has lived in God’s heart for us. And that love makes it all worthwhile.
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
-Ephesians 5:1-2
