There has been a growing desire in my heart for true intimacy with my Lord. Not the boring “going through the motions” of a Christian walk, but that oh, so contagious, joyful, giddy, “I’m in love with this guy” attitude that fills my heart and bubbles out into everything.
Recently, I was around someone who is newly in love. It reminds me of the early days with my hubby. Longing to hear his voice and the strong desire to be together ALL the time, no matter what we were doing. It could, seriously, be ANYTHING or NOTHING. As long as we were in the same room. We could talk for hours. We learned so much about each other. The little things and the big. And I always reveled in the fact that this man, this amazing man, chose me. He loved me and wanted to be with me more than anyone else. I felt unique and special. And my heart raced when I thought of him.
After a while, in any relationship, there comes a time where things get comfortable. (Somewhere around multiple kids, multiple jobs, and lack of sleep.) You start to take things for granted. Am I right? You know the thoughts…He’s always going to be there. He knows I love him. I mean, look at all the things I do for him. He has to know, right? I don’t have to keep telling him. Do I? We’ve known each other forever. I have heard his stories so many times, I can tell them better than he can. So, what if I don’t get the rush of emotions every time. That’s not real. This is a better place now. We have grown as a couple. No one can live on that kind of high all the time.
But that isn’t true. All relationships take work, investment, and self sacrifice. In my marriage, it means being authentic and making the time. Putting my husband first. Investing my energy in the things that matter. Keeping the spark fanned and burning. I need to tell him I love him and notice all the ways he tells me too.
There have been times when I felt the same way about the Lord. Really in love. But lately, I think I’ve been taking Him for granted. I have been too busy and I’ve kept Him at arms length. I’ll give Him lip service. I mean, it’s not that I don’t love Him. I just don’t feel the rush. Isn’t that a more mature relationship with the Lord? Is He really up there in heaven all giddy over me? Please!
You know what? God loves me like someone newly in love. He wants, more than anything, to be with me no matter what I’m doing. Even if it’s mundane like cleaning house, working my business, or driving carpool. He wants to hear my stories, even the old ones that everyone else has heard a million times. He doesn’t care, as long as we are together and really present to each other. He wants to spend timewith the real me and I need to let Him in and give Him the chance to get to know who she is.
Here’s what I’m learning. I need to invest time with Jesus, just like with my hubby. I need to stop my busy life and slow down. I need to prioritize the important things and shake off those that, even though they may be valuable, are not where my focus needs to be at this time. And in simplifying, I can keep the complacent joy killer at bay. Because I will have the time to recognize those moments each day where God said “I love You” in very concrete ways. And I can, in turn, tell Him, “I love you too!”
What are your thoughts?
XOXO,
Barb
Reflections of a Cute Lil Mom 
I needed to hear this about setting aside time for my marriage probably more than I needed to hear it about my Lord. Both for sure. Great reflection! -regan
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Yep. Me too. As I've been watching those new love birds, I keep remembering that I need to be as present to my hubby as they are to each other. 😉 You aren't alone. LOL
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