Today I’m reflecting on the surprising, enlightening, and sometimes hard truths we all encounter after we walk down the aisle, and how they teach us about what love really means.
Hubby and I met in late 1995, and back then love was more of a feeling to me. I was just 22, and though my life was a far cry from picturesque, there was still a part of me that naively believed in happily ever after … One day I would meet my Prince, and he would whisk me off into the sunset for a life of wedded bliss.
I did meet my Prince, but the reality is, marriage turned out to be hard, and marriage done right has proven to be even harder. It’s a journey that’s been full of ups and downs, trials and triumphs, love and forgiveness, sacrifice and giving, and a whole lot of mercy and grace.
Fairy tales like Snow White and Cinderella taught us all about the guy and romance, but marriage is 100% about love; the kind of love that begins and ends with God.
“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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
A few weeks ago hubby shared this devotion with me. It seemed to be a fitting reminder of where we are after almost two decades of marriage.
Romance is fleeting, but love is long.
Romance is flying, but love is a safe landing.
Romance seeks perfection, but love forgives faults.
Romance anguishes as it waits for the phone to ring, to bring a voice that says sweet things, but love is the anguish of waiting for a call
that assures you someone else is safe and happy.Romance is suspense, anticipation and surprise, but love is dependability.
Romance is dancing in the moonlight, gazing deep into desired eyes, but love is saying, “You’re tired, honey, I’ll get up this time.”
Romance is delicious, but love nourishes.
— Anonymous
Letting go of all that story book hype about eternal wedded bliss frees us to discover that God has a purpose concerning marriage that is far richer and more rewarding than any fairy tale. His perfect design for marriage wasn’t about making us happy; marriage is about making us holy. The struggle and strain to never give up, care more for another, be content, humble, gentle, selfless, calm, forgiving, merciful, truthful and tolerant makes us more like Him, and the more like God we are, the happier we are.
Is it hard? Yes.
Frustrating? You bet.
Worth it? Absolutely.
Amen Sister
So true. Great job!