Stealing the Romance

by Janet Morris Grimes

“The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

Sometimes, I feel almost guilty for it. Shouldn’t the promise of heaven be enough to satisfy me? After all, I know how my love story ends; with me riding into the sunset with my Prince, dancing over the hidden threshold into happily ever after.

Still, it is the day-to-day moments we steal along the journey that thrill me most. Regardless of the time of day, He meets me when I am ready, dropping whatever He is doing to focus on me alone. In the car surrounded by the traffic of impatience; a sleepless night gazing at the moonlight; embracing the morning sunrise. He meets me there, whispering in my ear and listening to my concerns. He caresses my hair with a gentle breeze. He tilts my face upward, reminding me of where I will always find my answers.

He never breaks his promises. He waits patiently if I temporarily place my hope of a better future in those around me, then wipes away my tears of disappointment when they occasionally let me down. He goes before me to carve out my path. He walks beside me to provide companionship. He walks behind me to protect me from looking back with regret. He opens doors of opportunity and closes doors that bring pain. He prefers for me not to learn the hard way, but still holds me when I do. He allows me to misplace my anger toward others and direct it His way.

He overlooks my grumpy days. He knows I forget to say thank you. He works around my laziness, and condemns my fears for holding me back. When I ignore His voice of guidance, He waits until I am ready, gently tugging on the heart until I get strong enough for the next journey. Somehow, He shines through my imperfections without making me feel shameful for them.

Like the gentleman who bends tenderly down on one knee to announce to the world, “I adore you and long to spend forever with you, starting today.” That is all I need to know. I do not deserve such love, but I accept. I accept. Always, I accept.

Dear God, thank you so much for the way that You love us, as if we are your one and only. Teach us to watch for Your signs of affection, to recognize Your gentle caresses in our daily lives. Teach us to rest in Your love, and Yours alone; understanding that our other relationships can only be blessed once we are right with You. Above all else, thank you for asking us to join You for the rest of eternity. In Jesus’ Name. Amen