"Do You Love Me?"

I love the musical Fiddler on the Roof by Jerry Bock. At one part, Tevye wonders if Golde loves him. It had twenty-five years after an arranged marriage. He asks her, "Do you love me?" They realize that living with someone through the hard times of life had taught them to love each other. It didn't change anything, but it was nice to know.



It's nice to see young couples in love. They want to be constantly with each other. Their minds are off in dreamland half the time. They splurge on unnecessary trinkets for each other. They laugh and sing and write poetry.

Ahhh...young love!
But is that love?

Will that carry them through "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health?"



A couple in our church just celebrated their 50th anniversary and wanted to renew their vows. Only, the wife was battling cancer and the husband had recently suffered a stroke. We didn't know if they'd make it, but they did. When they promised again to love each other "in sickness and in health" it brought many tears to our eyes. They knew what it meant to really love someone.

Love is not emotions, for emotions can change. Love is a matter of the will. Can you tell your husband or wife,
"I will love you...no matter what." ?

Love is longsuffering.
Love is kind.
Love envies not.
Love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up.
Love does not behave unseemly.
Love seeks not her own.
Love is not easily provoked.
Love thinks no evil.
Love does not rejoice in evil, but in truth.
Love bears all things.
Love believes all things.
Love hopes all things.
Love endures all things.
Love never fails.

(I Corinthians 13:4-8)

When I was a child, I would be embarrassed for my my parents kiss each other in front of my friends. Yet, at the same time, I was pleased that they loved each other. I didn't have to wonder.

My husband shows his love to me in many ways. He cooks supper when I am extra busy or tired. He brings home a chocolate bar and sticks it in the freezer as a special treat for me. He rubs my back each morning as I'm waking up. He keeps the car and house repeaired. He budgets our money very well. He thanks me for baking his favorite cookies. He tells others that I'm a writer. Everyday, he kisses me and tells me that he loves me, but it's more than that. I know He loves me.

Do your children know that you love each other? Have they seen you make it through some hard times and come out closer and stronger? When they are old enough to look for a spouse, do they know to look past the pretty face and search for the qualities of a strong character, one that loves the Lord first?



Randy, you are my best friend.
I thank the Lord for giving me a husband like you.
I love you!