Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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.
I am one of the lucky ones. One of those that found her "forever love" at an early age. One that, after more than 16 years together (that is HALF OF OUR LIVES) STILL knows that he IS my forever love.
We have both done a LOT of growing up together. That is what happens when you start dating your husband-to-be at the ripe old age of 16!
I am a better person because of him. I am a stronger, more confident, capable woman. I know I can do anything that I set my mind to, and I know he will always be there to support me and encourage me.
We are best friends. Not only do we love each other, but we truly still like each other. We realize and understand that if we don't make an effort to focus on US, eventually there will be no us. We may not get to go "out" but we always make time for us to focus on each other. We don't want our kids to move out and we are left with nothing in common.
I never doubt how he feels about me. He shows me constantly, not only with his words, but with his actions. If he never said I love you (which he does all the time), I would know he loved me by the way he treated me.
He keeps me grounded. He doesn't let me get caught up in the things that, truly, in the long run, don't matter.
He makes me LAUGH! He can find a way to make me see the humor in any situation, even when I REALLY don't want to.
He teaches our kids what to give and expect in a relationship. Yep, it grosses some of them out to see us be affectionate to one another but, one day they will understand and get it. He makes a point of letting the kids hear him tell me he loves me.
Some people NEVER have this kind of love, their entire life. I AM one of the lucky ones. He is and always will be my FOREVER LOVE!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Paul: I love you (more) and I am so glad you continue to ask me to be yours year after year! I am so thankful that God gave you to me. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Colossians 3:12-19
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them
