A Love that Lasts

The idea of falling in love always fascinated me. From the little girl aching to be nestled in my father's arms, to the troubled twenty something woman waking up alone, and lonely.

Now, almost ten years since Christ came into my life I've fallen in love. It almost feels like Christmas morning, full of presents wrapped and waiting. You never know what special surprise will rise with each new day. I believe this is what Christ wants for us, His children- something new every day.

21This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

We've fallen in step with a society that is plagued with want. More this. More that. A new need is waiting around every corner. Discontentment steals the place of passion. These days there is a story for every struggle, and more and more endings are filled with loss rather than love. That is why this passage from Lamentations 3 stays pressed in my mind- we have this hope in Christ that His love is new every morning.

See, I have this secret. I love falling in love. It may sound strange, but its true. At first, I was romanced by the idea of love. Someone spending every last dime on making me smile. Then slowly, over time and through meaningful relationships the tables turned. It became obvious that love was a gift, an undeserved guarantee with no strings attached.

Do you know what happens when you get a glimpse of real love?

Your mind moves. It pushes away from the pain of your past and sets you in heavenly places.You now have a Savior, a Creator that you can cast your cares on. Now there is a relationship that can blossom even in the cold of winter.

Do you know how love happens?

It stretches back to Calvary. To a rugged cross. To the weight of sins that belonged to you and me. Love didn't point the finger; love didn't condemn. Instead, Love stood like sheep before the shears. Through our relationships we see this marriage of grace and God manifested in the world around us.

If it helps to look at love like a big ball of colorful rubber bands. It's too hard to untangle, but it's beautiful to look at. Love expands and expresses itself in every hue of holiness. God gave us His love, and there are few things like it that will last forever.

Which do you enjoy most- the romance of love or the relationship of love? How do you strike the right balance?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR- Tamika Eason is a wife, writer, mother to three daughters, and servant. She remains in awe that despite her fallibility God would choose her to choose Him. She and her husband are dedicated to the ministry of their church in Austin, Texas. You can find her scribbling about the writing journey at her blog http://www.thewriteworship.blogspot.com/.