21 Years!

I am a romantic. 22 years ago I asked Janet on our first date - Valentines Day. I was so nervous. It was the first date I had ever been on. I can still see her walking down the stairs of her dorm in her "red dress." It seems like yesterday I brought her flowers for the first time. I remember the meal we ate - the best steak I've ever had, at a very romantic restaurant in Atlanta called, "The Mansion." I remember the car ride after dinner and me so focused on trying to hold Janet's hand that I ran a red light. I remember telling her, "I love you" for the first time. Janet is the only woman I have ever told, "I love you." I remember asking her if I could give her a kiss. She is the one and only woman I have ever kissed. We got married the next Valentines Day - 21 years ago. It seems like yesterday watching her walk down that aisle in Fayetteville Christian Church. She is even more beautiful to me today. I still enjoy getting my wife flowers for no reason, opening the car door for her even when it's raining, holding her hand, playing with her hair, talking to her throughout the day, and dating her. I am a romantic.

God is also a romantic. Let me explain. Romance is not about flowers and candy and love songs and perfume. Romance is simply choosing to love someone in the ways that they most need and want to be loved. It's about you discovering their preferred language of love. It might not be your preferred way to express love, but loving someone is not about you. It's about knowing someone else and putting their needs above yours. Maybe for your wife or husband flowers don't do it, but a walk on the beach does. Maybe cards aren't that important, but a handwritten note melts their heart. Maybe an expensive restaurant isn't their thing, but a homemade meal by candlelight or meeting for lunch at the mall speaks volumes. You've got to figure that out. But if you love someone, it's worth it. God knows you. He gives you what you need, not what you deserve. He loves you just the way you need to be loved. He is willing to sacrifice Himself to prove His love for you. God is a romantic!

Janet, what can I say! It just keeps getting better and better! As impossible as this seems, I love you more today than I did when I first said the words 22 years ago. Knowing you, loving you, and doing life with you is the joy of my life! And with you I know that the best is yet to come. I thank God for you every day and pray that our children experience the same loving relationship that we have. Happy Valentines Day & Happy Anniversary!