Valentine’s Day. A day of love… So I thought I would tell you about MY love. The man I have been married to for almost 9 years. The man I have loved for 13 years. The man I would not want to live without – Doug.
Looking back, our 4 year dating relationship was rather humorous. It was littered with break-ups and tears, always eventually followed with reconciliation and laughter. One of the break-ups was over my move from the east bank to the west bank. Doug did not want a “long distance relationship.” True story. That particular reconciliation involved a marriage proposal and engagement ring. Rest assured, I confirmed that he was committed before saying “yes”, since 3 weeks before the drive across the river was too far to even continue the relationship. Today, that is a funny story. Then, it was not so funny.
Considering our personalities, only God could have brought us together. Doug is laid back, chill, and goes with the flow. He constantly says “No worries.” While I need a plan and I need to stick to the plan. If we venture off course, I am a frazzled mess. When we allow each other to be who we are, we actually balance each other out and function pretty well. It is when I try to force Doug to make a plan, or he tries to chill me out that we have issues.
I have never been a fanatic about Valentine’s Day. But I am a fanatic about showing love to those I love. I think it is a great idea to have Valentine’s Day set aside to do something super special for those you love. But to me, it is more important to be consistent in my love on a daily basis – to aim to love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
“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.”
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Julie