The Power of Your Love Story
In early October of 1987, as a sophomore at Seattle Pacific University, I went to play games at a park with a bunch of students. I briefly talked with a guy there but didn’t get to know much about him. For the next couple of weeks, I kept my eyes open around campus, hoping to see him. Then on October 30, a friend asked me if I wanted to play games in the dorm lounge. And standing right behind him was the guy I had been watching for! Of course, I would play! That night Randy was my Pictionary partner. The next day I told my mom on the phone, “I met a guy last night who is different than any guy I have met before”. And he was! We spent a lot of time together in the months that followed, and he became my best friend. On April 22, 1988, we decided to officially begin dating and on December 23 of that same year we were engaged. We got married on September 2, 1989 – 30 years ago this year!
Every couple has a love story. And every love story has challenges and twists and turns that make it unique and interesting. Challenges that can pull you apart or draw you together.
In Luke 2, we see Mary & Joseph’s love story. They definitely had their share of challenges. We can bet that people didn’t really believe Mary’s explanation of how she got pregnant. As she walked through town, there were probably plenty of whispers about her and her “story”. Yet, at the end of the story of Jesus’ birth, Luke 2:19 says, “But Mary treasured up all of these things and pondered them in her heart.” She valued and meditated on her story.
So, what’s your story? Have you pondered it lately? The “story of us” is unique to you and your spouse and special to you. Sometimes life gets in the way. Busyness, kids, work and financial stress get in the way of everything and blocks out the “story of us”. Arguments, disagreements, bitterness and lack of communication become barriers that seem bigger than the love story that got you here in the first place.
Wherever you are in your relationship, take a few moments to ponder your love story. Treasure the early days of dating and your first kiss.
If there is distance in your marriage, treasure the things that made you fall in love in the first place.
Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things”. Keep this verse in mind as you ponder your marriage and your spouse. Think of all the good, noble, true, lovely & right things. If you are unable to identify any of those things, ask God to bring something to mind. Dwell on that thing. God is good and faithful and true. And He wants your marriage to be, too.
Think on these things….the power of your love story.