“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, in order to make her holy by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word, so as to present the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind– yes, so that she may be holy and without blemish. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as they do their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hates his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, because we are members of his body.” (Ephesians 5:25-30 NRS)
Although we have been married only forty years, Bobbie has been my “valentine” for forty-seven years. So, a simple date on a calendar doesn’t have to remind me that she is my best friend or that I love her beyond words.
I use to write her poems and remind her of my love. I have failed to do it often enough. Oh, I’m confident that she knows I love her. I also know that she loves me more than I deserve, so the time has come for me to renew an old habit.
Happy Valentine’s Day to my best friend and life-partner . . .
Roses are yellow and words so mellow,
A simple “I love you” seems so shallow.
Yet, over time, your love so sublime
Warms my soul and has never been hollow.
For your million dollar smile and sparkling eyes
I appreciate you and your words so wise.
Thank you for your support and courage in all kinds of weather,
I pray that God allows us many more valentines together.
Certainly, husbands are commanded by Scripture to express their love more often than once a year. How often do you tell your dear one just how much you love him/her? Surely you could sing of your love more often.
Dear Father, thank you for your love shown to us on Calvary. Empower us to love one another like you love the Church. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous in your love for your spouse,