I don’t like to admit it, but I’m a romantic. I put up a tough girl front but it’s true, I like a good love story. Last night I found myself watching The Last Song, a movie based on Nicholas Sparks’ book. I’m well aware some have unkind things to say about Miley Cyrus, but I thought she did a pretty good job in this movie. And Liam Hemsworth isn’t unpleasant to look at. (It’s interesting they ended up getting married in real life). Anyway, I found myself captivated by the movie. I think the reason I was so entranced is that it reminded me of me and Richard’s love story.

We were teenagers when we met and were good friends long before we started officially dating. I was attracted to him the day I met him. I’m often skeptical of scenes like this in movies – I feel people fall in love too fast, before they even know each other. But I liked Richard right away. He didn’t “see me that way” for another two years. Maybe that’s a good thing. I had school to focus on. And we were young. But we spent a lot of time together as friends in the summer of 2008. He invited me to his parents’ house for his 21^st birthday party dinner. That wasn’t nearly as awkward as when Ronnie dines with Will’s family in the movie, thankfully. I felt honored to be his guest and enjoyed talking with his family. I never wanted to stop hanging out with him. I remember that clearly in our days as “just friends.” As we played Connect Four in his dining room one day, Tim McGraw sang in the background from the CD player (that’s how long ago it was!): “Life with you makes perfect sense. You’re my best friend.” That song resonated so much in the way I felt for him. I just loved being with him. I thought he was kind, sociable, fun, and handsome. And he loved Jesus. He was also a hard worker.

One night in late summer 2008 as we sat in his house and played cards, Richard asked me, “Are we dating?” A few awkward lines of conversation on that and a few days later, it was official. We were. Our relationship flourished and our feelings for each other grew, as friends and as potential marriage partners. Our first kiss was magical – the first time I’d ever kissed anyone (his first time kissing a woman he loved, he says). Sparks flew (insert Taylor Swift’s Sparks Fly). We remained under the counsel of our pastors for a what felt like an eternal 3 ½ years. And then in 2013 we married. We danced to Tim McGraw’s My Best Friend.

Now coming up on our 10 year anniversary, I’m still so attracted to my husband. He is my best friend, still. I love his touch, his quirky laugh, our evening strolls, our deep Sunday morning talks over coffee. He’s my confidant, my verbal journal who gives invaluable feedback, my cheerleader, adventure buddy, helper, business partner, my lover. Up to this point, we’ve seen friends come and go, have traveled a bit, have bought a house, graduated, changed jobs, raised a puppy, grown a garden, explored numerous hobbies. We’re learning deep lessons together. We sharpen one another. We help each other when one of us is down. I’m excited for where life has us and where it’ll take us. I’m grateful to have this faithful man, who is far better than I deserve, in my life. He sees me, he knows me – all my flaws and baggage. And he hasn’t been scared off yet. He combed my hair when I had lice; he empathizes when I have a cold; he still loved me when I looked like I had rhinoceros skin (pityriasis lichenoides). He has loved me deeply. I desire to be utterly loyal to him.

True love. Lifelong, monogamous, faithful marriage. I feel like this is what a lot of people long for. I find it interesting that in ancient Judaism Israel was described as God’s bride and He the people’s husband. I think the bumps in life, the offenses, the communication errors, the ups and downs are what help define a true love (this played out in The Last Song). True love is committed and self-giving. Richard loves me despite me. And oh, how God loves us! As Chris Tomlin sings, “You see the depths of my heart, and you love me the same!” And while we were sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). What a love!

So there, maybe I shouldn’t feel too guilty about watching or reading a good love story every now and then. ~