Love in the Small Ways

Although my husband doesn’t covet being written about, today I’ll risk it. Why? Because it’s nearing Valentines Day, and before that twenty four hours of mush and gush I’m going to throw in a few of my thoughts..

A person once told me that when people are seriously dating they should feel treasured by their partner at least 90% of the time. Of course, if you're married you'll know why: because things change after marriage.

When my husband and I were dating I received at least one rose (or a dozen) every month—right up until the day we said ‘I Do’. After that, the roses were done, but that's when our real romance began. Not unlike finishing an educational degree, the real work begins after graduation. Theory’s nice, but there’s no teacher like life experience. Do you agree?

As nice as those monthly flowers were, I'll take the following demonstrations of love over the buds on any stem: 

• At the end of one of the coldest days of the year he didn’t ask any questions, or yell at me, when I needed him to shovel me out of the snow bank I’d flown into because of my poor driving decision.

• Although it irritates him when I leave dirty dishes in the sink, he's very organized and will puzzle them all into the dishwasher, and run it!

• Saying nothing more one evening, he left the kitchen to grab his tools and glue in order to fix the front of a drawer that had toppled off after I’d slammed it shut. Yes, we were fighting. Although not proud of my angry burst, he quietly fixed my mistake as I pleaded for forgiveness.

• He takes the responsibility of getting the oil changed in my vehicle very seriously.

• At the risk of straining his own body, he carries heavy boxes of books in and out of buildings when I have book signings and speaking engagements.

• Although not his favourite activity (nor mine, since I’m being transparent), if no one else is available to help me sell novels at craft sales, he’ll sit and keep me company.

• He silently forgives me (or seethes quietly enough) when I overspend on something useless.

• He'll surprise me by changing the batteries in my personal hair removal device so I can easily rid myself of those pesky chin hairs.

• He encourages my endeavours, and prays for me constantly. I won’t guess at what some of those prayers might be, but he prays. 

Although not gestures of the grand romantic kind, I know without a doubt that he loves me. He shows me in so many of these small ways--some I don't even notice until much later, or perhaps not at all.

When I ponder that, it reminds me a little of the relationship I have with God. I mean, He sent His Son--to give me the opportunity to believe, repent and live inside this freedom that's really unexplainable. And, it says He cares about the sparrows, so I KNOW He cares about my every little thing too.

I wonder if, when we're in heaven, we'll learn of the times God saved us from near-misses, accidents, and our own stupidity.

I know He loves us, and I know He wants good for us!

What a wonderful thing to remember on the day we celebrate love, and on every other day too!

VERSES to encourage us:

Psalm 34:8 (NASB1995) “O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”

Psalm 100:5 (NASB1995) “For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.”

Psalm 107:1 (NIV) “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

James 1:17 (NASB1995) “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

The WINNER of the FREE BOOK today is: Pat B! Congratulations to her!

Also: if you're in the Yorkton area on Saturday, February 15th from 12 noon - 3 pm, I would love to see you at: EKK Decor Rentals & Company (28 Betts Ave)! I will have my newly released novel "You Are Amadeus" there, but even if you don't purchase a book, I'd love to visit with you!

Remember:

YOU are prayed for! If you have a specific prayer request: Email me here, or at pdjanz11@gmail.com

Text or call: 306-621-7544

Pattie Janzen