Love Letter

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New International Version)

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

This time last year, I would have been sleeping next to you. We probably would have just gotten home and I'd be cranky and cold and you'd be exhausted and warm. You'd wrap your whole body around me and we'd sleep. Snoring, happily. Today, I thought about giving up, about moving on. I'm sure if I were to do so, a few of my friends and even some of my family would rejoice as they've seen us tear apart the Bible verses I've printed.

We've been through so much in the past 4.5 years. We've overcome even more: ourselves, one another. We've lost friends and family members. Lost ourselves and regained strength. As a couple, we were not the perfect example of love. Not in the least bit. But, in time. But, in prayer. But, in hope.

Love is patient, it's kind, it does not boast, is not easily angered. I've never known a person who allows me to break down on a daily basis and still provide comforting words. I wouldn't even wish my crying and whining on another person. But, you listen and you do it with a grace only God can give. You've done and still do all that you can to take care of me. But, not just me: everyone around you. You've waken up in the middle of the night to answer phone calls from friends across the world. You take the time to work an extra job just to help out at home. I've seen you save for months just to spend it on a ticket for your nephews birthday (that he may not even remember!). I've been taught not to boast, to stay humble and I look at you and how hard you work without any complaints.

It's been so long since I've been able to sleep next to you. Since I've been smothered by your giant soccer-legs; but I can still feel you near. I can still smell your cologne and I can still laugh at your aerobics outfits as if I am still watching you get dressed. I haven't written you a love letter in so long. I remember when we first met, we'd write back and forth every day when we were away from one another.

You told me: my love is there, even if I'm bad at writing it down. And I guess this rant is more of a reminder for myself. To not give up. To remember that love always hopes and always perseveres. So, I love you.