In love!

Being in love is the greatest, gut-wrenching experience in the world! Suddenly you are aware of every nerve in your body; your mind is filled with joy-bubbles that explode into uncontrolled giggles at the thought of 'him'; there are times when you feel like just slow-dancing in the middle of a quiet street beneath streetlights, following his lead through the gentle sway of a sweet song. 

One of the best things about love is that it makes you feel.... beautiful. How is it that when we pour out our affection, adoration and deepest heart songs to another, we are filled with the knowledge that we are more radiant, more desired, more delightful and stunning than ever before. A woman who knows she is loved, and a woman who adores with her whole self, is truly stunning! 

Sometimes we can feel discouraged that the 'lovers' are over there enjoying their pink-hued happiness while we 'others' are over here walking out the rock-hewn road of isolation. The truth is, your place in the pink, warm glow of love, or the cold, grey wind of loneliness is independent of your relationship status. How many are 'with' someone, yet feel painfully alone? How many delight in the joys of arm-tingling love despite never having had a significant other. It seems to me that the very first love affair is and always must be with the One who has loved you from the beginning, before you were, before you knew Him. He adores you and delights over you. And when you fall in love with Him- I mean really start to giggle over Him- you realize just how beautiful you are.

This week I was struggling in a gray season. It felt like all the most important love-providers in my life were either too far away, or just not able to fill my bottomless love tank. I struggled with jealousy and comparing myself. Even though I knew that these things were not 'real', I didn't know how the heck to get them out of my mind! In desperation I looked to my Lover and asked, "Can you help me? Do you have enough love for even this ferocious, bottomless love-void? Can You satiate this never-ending, annoying need in me for love and affirmation?"

As I imagined Him looking at me, my face in His hands, drawing my eyes upward toward Him, I saw a smile. Yes of course I will fill that love-darkness with the light of my spirit. I am so glad you finally asked!

This poem is a little reminder of just how tenderly we are loved. May this be a week of once again (or perhaps for the first time) falling in love. 

From the notebook of Arthur E. Ritchie

Child of my love, fear not the unknown morrow,
Dread not the new demand life makes of thee;
Thy ignorance doth hold no cause for sorrow
Since what thou knowest not is known of Me.

Thou canst not see the hidden meaning
Of my command, but thou the light shall gain;
Walk on in faith, upon My promise leaning,
And AS THOU GOEST, all shall be made plain.

One step thou seest — then go forward boldly,
One step is far enough for faith to see;
Take that, and thy next duty shall be told thee,
For STEP BY STEP thy Lord is leading thee.

Stand not in fear thy adversaries counting,
Dare every peril, save to disobey;
Thou shalt march on, all obstacles surmounting,
for I the Strong, WILL OPEN UP THE WAY.

Wherefore go gladly to the task assigned thee,
Having my promise, needing nothing more
Than just to know, wher’er the future find thee,
In all thy journeying I go BEFORE.

Comments

[Pamela]

Wow, this blog entry was perfect and right on time for me. I'm another year older today, and struggling with staying out of my gray season right now, as it always pops up as I get older and remain single. This was a good bit of encouragement that I needed. How awesome is the love of our Father, that he can make us feel more loved than we ever have been! Thanks again. :)