Valentine's Day: Then and Now

February 14, 2003. I sat in my townhouse and finally opened an envelope that had been taunting me for days. It was postmarked from Cincinnati, and was clearly marked "Do not open until February 14!" It happened to be from the guy who had taken me out on our very first official date just two weeks earlier, and in it, he told me why he was glad to be starting this new relationship.

The next day, I would risk life and limb to see him, driving three hours (it should have taken half that) in a snowstorm to have dinner with him. Few moments in my life have carried the feeling of sweet relief like the moment I safely parked my car at the restaurant and got a bear hug from Steve. It was really stupid for me to have made the trip...but what can I say? Love does that to you :)

February 14, 2007. I woke up to a kiss and a goodbye that left me to find post-it notes all over the house, telling me why he loves me. Tonight, Lord willing, he'll come home and we'll have dinner together as husband and wife, no snowstorm, no worrying over what I'm going to wear or nerves in the pit of my stomach. Today I am thanking God yet again for this incredible blessing He has brought into my life--this man who shows me each day what love truly is by the ways He loves me sacrificially, faithfully.

He is patient with my faults and failures; he is kind. He does not envy, he does not say "I told you so," he is not arrogant. He is not rude. He serves me consistently, generously, selflessly. He does not get angry. He keeps no record of my sins against him. He protects me and trusts me; he has unswerving hope for our marriage and for God working in me. And by God's grace, he and I will persevere, loving each other more every Valentine's Day.