Last summer, I was asked to write a love letter. The letter was to my husband, and it was the hardest writing assignment I’ve ever had. It shouldn’t have been so hard.
If someone asked you to put your love into words on paper, could you do it? As hard as writing it down may be, it’s far easier to say we love someone than to actually do it. That’s because love is:
- patient and kind.
It is not:
- proud, self-seeking, or easily angered.
And it does not:
- envy, boast, or dishonor others.
(Love definitions from 1 Corinthians 13)
Those are tall orders for people who are impatient, unkind, proud, and self-seeking, aren’t they? We are undone from the beginning. But thankfully, from the beginning, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. And He, being Love, will give us what we lack.
Dear married sisters, once upon a time, you stood before the man you love and promised him the moon. And it seemed like a good idea at the time. I believe it was a good idea, because marriage is a ministry.
Are you struggling in your marriage relationship during this month of love? There is hope. Admit your part of things and refuse to focus on your husband’s part. Run to Jesus, the Lover of your soul. His love can fill the deepest hole. And He can give you the patience or the kindness that you lack, for you to give to your husband in return.
Early in my marriage, during an especially hard time, I poured out my pain and my grievances against my husband to God in prayer. And quietly and gently, it was as if He nudged my heart and whispered, “Don’t come back to Me in prayer until you’re willing to ask Me to change this marriage, starting with YOU.” I almost gave up, and it took awhile, but I was finally willing. I prayed that prayer, and God answered me. And on Father’s Day last June, after being married for well over three decades, I wrote that love letter. It was good to look back over a long road, filled with ups and downs, and realize it’s been worth it.
How about you? This February, why don’t you look back over the months or years, whether few or many, and remember the things that you love about your husband? Consider writing them down. Pray and seek God’s face. Ask Him to change YOU. And then, consider sharing your love letter with your loved one, as part of your ministry.
I’ll end by sharing a few words from the greatest love letter ever written, and it was written to you.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
(1 Corinthians 13:13)
(To read an intriguing discussion about the ministry of marriage, see Voddie Baucham Jr.’s book entitled “What He Must Be:…if he wants to marry my daughter”. This is also an excellent book for the parents of pre-teen boys or girls.)
http://www.amazon.com/What-He-Must-Be-Daughter/dp/1581349300
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It NEVER fails.
Amen.
Ok, girl, I'm gonna take your challenge. I will read 1 Cor 13, and then REALLY go outta my comfort zone & write my better-whole a love-note.
Thanks for the dare!!
This was just my rough draft! It wasn't supposed to be published! Currently in contact w/ Hope to get this removed and the final post put up. The final is quite different.
Slightly mortified,
Stephanie
Okay, they got it fixed. Whew.
My comment remains, "It never fails. AMEN!"
*Smile*
Thank you.
Well, this is the second time in a week that I have been challenged to write down the things I love about my husband. We are currently reading through The Love Dare, and the last challenge we were given was to visit our "Appreciation Room" for our spouse in our mind and write down the things that we love about them.
Ok, God, I get it. I will sit down and write.
Thanks, Steph, you are always challenging with what you write because it always comes from a sincere heart. Love you!
Thank you, Alicia. Thank you, sweet friend. Love you, too. ♥
Great post Stephanie…I believe God had us walk through this last June when we celebrated 30 years and God allowed us to go back to the church where we were married, bow in prayer and continue forward with our imperfect marriage. I have been expressing it in words every since…now you have given me another opportunity this month to continue.
Bless you, Janette. ♥
Hi Steph! While I haven't written a love letter to my beloved in a long time, your story did remind me of the old-fashioned handwritten declarations of love tucked up in a box in our attic that Mike and I penned to one another in our earlier days of courtship and engagement. Made me want to run right up there and find them. I'm sure reading them today would be good for a giggle or two, but who knows? After the chuckles have subsided, we might find some inspiration for some current love letter writing.
You keep writing, girl! You inspire us!
You unbelievably precious girl. You inspire ME.
I just called you a "girl". You unbelievably precious WOMAN!
You can call me a girl anytime!