Love Story

Today is the anniversary of my engagement to my sweet husband. This morning, I told him, “Thank you for choosing me.”

That’s what love does. It chooses. Love chooses to speak kind words, to make needed space, to listen well. Love chooses to sacrifice, to protect, and to speak the truth in love. Love chooses connection in times of celebration as well as in mourning.

What a gift to be chosen, to be loved and cherished!

My husband and I love our story. We honestly don’t have many difficult days in our marriage, but if I ever feel insecurities creep in, I simply remember the choice we both made and all the ways he chooses me daily as his bride. Our love story is not perfect, but it’s so beautiful.

When my heart and mind are fighting deeper insecurities and doubt, when I hear the whispers of the enemy spewing lies of rejection or shame, I remember another love story that began before I was even born.

God chose me before the creation of this world. I was knit together by Him in my mother’s womb on purpose and for a purpose, and his love for me is perfect.

It’s easy, however, to let this crazy world distract me from the truth of who I am. Maybe you can relate. Messages from social media, perceived expectations of others, or hurtful words from a loved one, and I can suddenly feel like I’m not enough.

I grab my journal and begin to write out my story, the love story that began with being chosen by my Creator. Have you ever done that? Much like writing in your diary about your first crush, writing about how Jesus has pursued you, loved on you, surprised you with sweet blessings, and protected you from your own silly almost mistakes can serve to strengthen your faith.

I remember as a child being scared to go to sleep. I don’t recall how I found it, but I memorized a verse from Psalms, “I will both lay me down and sleep for the Lord only maketh me dwell in safety.” That was a way he comforted me when I was young. My parents stopped attending church, but our house was literally right beside our church, so I just walked. Looking back, that was a huge part of my love story with Jesus. He wanted me close.

God placed families in my life who showed me glimpses of his design for marriage and parenting, families that took me camping and canoeing. He blessed me with teachers who gave me the encouragement I so needed. Two, in particular, helped me discover my love of writing.

He provided for me over and over. He whispered his love to me through his Word, teachers, friends, and leaders. Even in the darkest of days when I mourned the loss of family, a marriage, and my parents, he was so good and always faithful.

I also think of how he created me- my personality, talents, passions, and quirks. He loves all of me. I’m sure he laughs often as he watches me navigate life. Though hard to believe, he delights in me just as I delight in my children.

The love story God is still writing is marked by his lavish provision crossing paths with my greatest needs, sweet whispers of his thoughts of me when I am hiding in shame, glimpses of indescribable beauty to lift my downcast eyes toward him. He has chased after me my entire life because he wants me. He chooses me.

I can’t quite wrap my mind around this kind of love, but it’s the love he invites me into today and every day. It’s the same abundant life he described to his followers thousands of years ago: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

When my husband and I first began dating, He filled my glass at dinner before I even sat down to eat. He got out of the car and walked around to open the door for me and helped me out of his truck. He was always the first to ask, “How was your day?” If I cooked dinner, he would not allow me to clean up afterward; he washed all the pots and pans and loaded the dishwasher.

We have been married almost five years, and he still does all those things consistently, without fail. He chooses me, and I still can’t get over it. No doubt, he will continue to spoil me and cherish me til death parts us. In many ways, our love story has helped me see a clearer picture of Jesus as the bridegroom, pursuing his bride.

Our earthly love stories, though amazing, cannot compare with the love of God that chases and chooses us despite our unfaithfulness, indecisiveness, and sin. He is relentless. What a love story!