Devotion written for February 13, 2017
First, my apologies to every English teacher I’ve ever had for the “Me and Her” title.
Valentine’s Day holds special significance to Beth and me because this is the anniversary of the day I first “broke the ice” in our relationship. I literally dealt with “the ice” as it was any icy day in Gainesville, GA on February 14, 1986. The story is that my boss called from Australia with instructions to secure one dozen roses for his girlfriend and deliver them to her office on his behalf. While picking up the roses for his girlfriend, I decided – do or die – that I would get roses for Beth as well. Beth was in the choir at First Baptist Church of Flowery Branch where I was the “new” Minister of Music. While I did hang out with and made many friends at Flowery Branch, there was something particularly intriguing about Beth…mostly how quiet she was.
To make a long story short, 31 years ago I did brave the ice, present her with roses, and asked her out on a date…which thankfully she accepted. We were married the following October 18, 1986 (I didn’t mess around…) at FBC of Flowery Branch with Rev. Paul Wade officiating and the church absolutely full. As a side note, 1986 was referred to as “The Year of The Wedding” at FBC as several of the other young couples were also married in 1986…just about every month including December. There must have been something in the water.
I wanted to write this because I want to share a foundational principle for me in our marriage. Our marriage isn’t perfect – none are. But, it’s a great one in my book. There are many scriptures that speak to marriage – from Genesis to the many references of “the Bride of Christ” in Revelation. We are told to “leave and cleave”, we vow to “keep only unto her/him”, and abide “’til death us do part.” It is clear and plain what breaks the vows and there’s instruction on how to handle that. We ALL know this and should affirm that with our lives. But, for me, I’ve taken Ephesians 5:25 to heart and made it my focus as a husband.
“Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy….” There are several things here, but I want to focus on the phrase “just as Christ loved the church.” This is simple for me and I apply it simply by being PROACTIVE in my love for Beth. 1 John 4:19 says “We love because He first loved us.” Jesus Christ made the first move for our redemption.
I have spent the past 31 years doing everything humanly possible to express the very depth of my love for Beth. Ephesians 5:33 says, “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” I love her more than my own life and I’ve stated in a prior writing that I’d gladly die for her and my girls. Those are the extremes, but what about day-to-day? I make an effort to be both courteous and thoughtful: I get her lunch ready each day, warm her car and see her off….I text her during the day to see how her day is. As far as courtesy, a pet peeve of mine is that I don’t like for her to “wait on me” as a servant would. I can fix my own plate at supper and I know where the sink is. I help with dishes, laundry, and I help clean the house. Another pet peeve is that I don’t excuse myself for a nap…or sit in the recliner while she’s trying to do housework. I offer to bring her things from the kitchen, I cook when I can, and I’m involved with what she’s doing. I remember special days…and, there are back and foot rubs. I listen to her…intently! All of the above are things I do…and more. They cost me very little, but they mean the world to her.
Christ set the highest standards for our love relationships. I’m far from perfect, but I try. Will you try?
And, no, I’m not trying to “butter her up…..”
May God’s blessings be yours!
Written by and personal property of Rev. R. Mark Russell