In my prayers God showed me how just like anything- including our marriages- it is common for our actions of love to wain and slip through routine and habit. At some point we don’t “feel” the emotion as strong as it once was when we did the same things. And so we often just stop doing them. Those actions get filled up with busy “work”. And soon the relationship suffers because those actions are the lifeblood and nutrients to the relationship itself. It is impossible to maintain that relationship with those actions!
We begin to act out of feeling instead of obligation. And yes, it is true obligation can lead to serving in a way we no longer want to. So what is it that moves us to doing those actions out of obligation to a heart of “a cheerful giver”? It is time spent one on one in the other person's presence, seeking their eyes and listening to them breathe and speak. It is a heart posture that STIRS up to remembrance “I take you as my wife/husband above everyone else and no one will be like you to me.” Sometimes we have to serve out of obligation or tradition, if you will. In those times, we have to remember they are worthy and deserving of our actions and we swore an oath of LOYALTY to them- for richer or poorer, in sickness and health- to LOVE them.
How much more so to our God and creator? As His soon-to-be-bride we should be keeping our lamps trimmed. We should be keeping our traditions of letting Him know we are His by seeking our lovers eyes and face. We need to make special time to be alone with Him, in His presence showing Him that we are listening for His every breath and His voice is our delight! That is why I always bow before Him whenever I get the chance. He is worthy of such respect and tradition, so we must be careful not to confuse the term “that is religious” with a totally negative mindset. HE IS WORTHY OF SUCH ACTION MY FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE BRIDE! Seek His Presence, but don’t let feelings keep you from our duty of honor to Him. Let’s us be found first loving Him well, and second, loving each other well. No body that is healthy fights against itself. Let’s encourage one another and bolster one another to seek Him and to keep the love alive. Let us always serve Him in actions of worship, even if it is also out of tradition, because He is worthy of it either way and that is true agape love! He didn’t feel like dying on the cross... but He did it!!
I hope this all makes sense. I’m sure you will have some insight to add. I can’t wait to hear it! Love you all, have a great day!
~Shane