In the Name of Love

(I borrowed this from NieNie, today is her 11th Wedding Anniversary)
Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.
Louis De Bernieres

This is something I learned this semester, Fall 2011. Partly from my marriage class, partly from watching my parents, and partly from me myself just learning.

   In my marriage class, we compared a marriage to the story of Christ as a shepherd, leaving the ninety and nine to find the one. My professor (who is a knock your socks off professor, I wish I could major in marriage prep just so I can only take his classes) taught us that in marriage, both spouses are the shepherd for each other, continually seeking out the one. Even when you're grumpy, or tired, or annoyed, or they have hurt you, they are still your one, and you are still their shepherd. That is love.

   My parents are so lovely. Its hard for me to talk or type about them because I get emotional. They will celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary a few days after Christmas. I'm so thankful for their love. I'm so thankful for their selflessness. I'm thankful for times to laugh. I'm thankful for eternal families.

   Now me. I've learned a lot about love this semester, particularly how the Savior loves me. Sometimes, its very hard for me to believe that He loves me free of charge. I often feel that I have to qualify, or 'earn' it. It's already mine. I can't earn it, and I can't take it away. I am loved. I am the one, and He will continually come after me when I stray. He will help me on the tests I am unready for, He will help me give the lesson I prepared the night before, He will bless me in every moment. He only asks me to try.

I am still learning. But I know that this season is about Love. God is Love. Love is Joy. Joy is Eternal.