This Thing Called Love

Johnny Cash sang, “You can’t see it with your eyes, hold it in your hand. But like the wind, it covers our land. Strong enough to move the heart of any man, This thing called love.”

This past week I had one of the utmost highest privileges a person can bestow on another. I was asked to officiate the marriage of two very special people in my life. The bride and her children have been a part of our lives since Jay and I have been together. Our relationship goes back to when we lived in Oklahoma City. We have been blessed to watch the children grow into the amazing young adults they are today, and we cherish each memory we have made throughout these years. We have loved the bride groom since the first time we met him nine years ago. All are special threads woven into our lives tapestry.

As emotions welled up standing up front guiding this precious couple into marriage – the most honorable estate created and instituted by God, I’m reflective of my own thoughts of love. Of course we know God created love, we didn’t. God is Love. We learn how to love by being loved by our family and friends. When you read that, what formulates in your heart and mind? Do we really love unconditionally and freely just as God loves us?

I shared with this couple love and humility unite, pride divides. Love and humility are grounded and understand who they are. They are never overblown or underjudged. Humility is related to the Greek word “Humus” (Not the dip made with chickpeas). It is used to enrich soil in gardens. That’s what humility does for marriages or any relationship we might have. In a garden, humus feeds the soil, protects the good characteristics of the soil. It naturally extracts the negative aspects of the soil, and it retains water in order to withstand droughts. In relationships, humility allows people to co-exist well. It brings forth the good in others. It naturally draws out and destroys the bad. And it can retain enough supply to get through those dry times we all get to experience.

Other than our first couple years of marriage, Jay and I have never spent more than six or seven weeks together. Most of you know I traveled back and forth to Oklahoma City for work, spending at least one week at a time there. Then you add any travels Jay would have for work – you got it, many days apart. Several of you following this blog asked prior to our year long adventure, “how in the world are you guys going to be together all day everyday? How is that going to feel?” After eighty-five days in a row – together, Jay and I are spending nine days apart (more on that in the weeks to come) I miss him! We have face-timed at least twice a day. I can share, it’s been pretty easy being right along side this man. And after I get back from this time away from him, if possible, I don’t want us apart again for the remainder of this year.

Distance or together makes my heart grow fonder for this man. It is his heart that moves me, his head that challenges me, and his humor that delights me – AND surprises me at times.

This week I may not have many pictures to share, however I pray I’ve shared my heart. Whether it is your spouse, your family (God-given or chosen), or dear friends; may you be the humus in those relationships. May you find some time to share with those around you the love you have been taught to give – freely and unconditionally.

How does Johnny Cash end his song? “It can lift you up, Never let you down, Take the world and turn it all around, Ever since time, no thing’s ever been found. That’s stronger than love.”

Blessings through your week.