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“Love is a commitment, not an emotion.”

A thought by Miles McPherson (2009-11-01) from his book, DO Something!: Make Your Life Count (Kindle Location 332). Baker Books. Kindle Edition.

Well today is the day that we celebrate love, at least the emotional part of love.  The truth is that is what we view as the definition of what love is but it is really more than that.

When I was young I had a weird idea about love.  I didn’t want to cheapen it so I made a self-commitment to when I told that someone that I loved them, the next question would be, will you marry me?  I told two ladies that and asked them both THE question and I got it right on the second one.  I made my lifetime commitment to Margaret Ann Fletcher on November 9, 1974 in Maud, Ohio Wesleyan Church.  We have said that we have never contemplated divorce, murder, yes.  We have been married 37 years – 34 good ones and 3 bad ones. 

Those 3 years were what I call my jerk time but Margaret held on and we made it through.  In every marriage there will be tough times and it is in those tough times that the commitment love holds you together but when just the emotional would drive you a part. 

Now the commitment love is not really romantic but there are also very special days that romance plays a part in living out the commitment.  I really do love Margaret with deep emotion.  I really do and I enjoy giving her cards and gifts that make her feel loved and I love receiving them.  But the greatest part of our love is the fact that we are still together.  Apart from Christ she is the greatest gift that God has given to me and I am her greatest gift. 

We were saying yesterday that we are both changing as we are going through our aging process.  That means we have to learn new ways to respond to each other but our commitment will prod us to do it.  I really do know and believe that our best days are ahead no matter how long God allows us to live.
   
So I wish a Happy Valentine’s Day to all.   May you enjoy the day.

How is it going?

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