Endless Love

Yesterday was Valentine's, but by now, the roses are starting to wilt, the
chocolate is gone, and you're wondering what to do with the over-sized,
over-stuffed bear in the corner. Please don't think that I am in any way
against the celebration, but I've been wondering why we sometimes wait until
mid-February to express the things we ought to say quite often.

Is it possible to show too much appreciation, too much admiration, or too
much adoration for your spouse? It is likely that the one person in the
whole world with whom you share your living room and your bedroom will tire
or bore of being told that he or she is special and cherished? Could it
possibly be an asset to your relationship if you made an intentional effort
each day to say or do at least two things you know make your spouse feel
cared about? Might it also be beneficial to the atmosphere of your home if
you asked your husband or wife each morning, "How can make today better for
you?"

Perhaps you are thinking, "But I don't feel like doing these things," or if
you're honest, you might be saying to yourself, "He/She never does that for
me." Both statements are likely true, but, to be brutally blunt, your own
fickle feelings or the failures of your spouse are never justifiable reasons
for your own lack of love and respect. Life and love can never be based on
feelings because feelings wax and wane and occasionally wander. Love is a
choice, a matter of will, a deliberate decision to "in humility, consider
others better than yourself"(Philippians 2:3). Sometimes that's easy.
Sometimes it's not. But it's always right-especially in marriage.
Selfishness has no place in the lifetime covenant designed to model the
sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.

If you've "lost that lovin' feelin," the best way to find it is to get busy.
Get busy showing love and sharing life with the one you're committed to.
Make the bed. Do the dishes. Dance to the radio. Turn off the TV and
talk. Sit on the couch and listen (really listen-not just hear.) Bring home
her favorite candy bar. Tell him he's wonderful. Tell him again. Hold
hands. Kiss. (Really kiss and nothing else.) Feelings follow actions. You
might just be surprised at how quickly you get caught!

Happy After-Valentine's Day!
May your celebration be endless!