I remember when we got together. I was a complete mess. Fresh from a broken relationship, heartbroken, and vulnerable. I cried a lot, and I drank even more, drowning my sorrows in liquid courage, and staying afloat on his affection.
I was so broken.
It’s always been peculiar to me how two broken people seemed to fit so well. Somehow even in the midst of chaos and secrets we saw to the heart of the matter.
We held on.
They say no one is perfect, but simply perfect for you, and we certainly held on to that old adage.
We were indeed deeply flawed, with emotional walls of protection as thick as the bond that held us together despite it all.
We needed healing of our hurts, and to be loved without fear of judgement.
Somehow we made it through. By the grace of God we held to the foundation of love, that truth that we were meant to be. Emotional love may wane, but an unconditional commitment sinks its claws in deep.
This morning I stood over my spouse, and I watched him sleep. I was overcome by emotion, and I felt the tears welling up, threatening to spill out with my relief and gratitude for what we have. The love I felt for him in that moment was so heavy it took my breath.
All around me I see relationships failing, and unfaithful mistakes made, and I draw closer to my husband. I draw closer to the God who placed us together.
And while I cry out thank you Lord I also realize we don’t have it all together. I am imperfect, and he is flawed, but through grace and mercy we hold on to the solid foundation that brought us together in the beginning. Two failing, fledging souls collided, and resulted in a beautiful love affair. Who could let that go unnoticed?
So I hold him a little closer, and as I watch a broken world full of problems spinning all around me I cling tight to our perfectly imperfect life.
Looks will fade, and passion will mature into a lovely, fluid dance of soul mates forever intertwined by feelings beyond what the eyes can see.
We were less that our best then, and we still are today, but together with Christ we press forward to be better than yesterday.
We look past the blemishes, and in fact hardly see them at all. I see only a tender heart open to my imperfections, and calling me to surrender to a pure, beautifully flawed love.
That acceptance of me entirely and unconditionally gives me the confidence to love him deeply. Just as he deserves.
Life with him is wonderful, and I have not a single complaint. If that changes I know it won’t change us.
I won’t give up on him, or on our love, even if things are less than their best. And I know he feels the same. For something about the way he loves me, and I love him, flaws and all, it just feels right. But more than feelings. It’s just perfect. It really is.
Denise says
This is beautiful, Brie…. Very thought provoking. None of us are perfect, except our Creator who made us. Love is a commitment, a devotion, through good and difficult times…
Sometimes love means giving more and receiving less….
Often it means sacrifice.
It’s through these mentioned times that love is strengthened…. As anything that is worth something, commitment is required.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you. You are so right.
Sally Magsig says
Beautiful. I may borrow some of your words with your permission. My son is getting married soon and I want to share some words of wisdom. You know how to use those words so beautifully and with meaning.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you. I’d be honored for you to quote me.
Elsa Wagner says
So beutfully written, Love and trusting each other makes marriage stronger as times goes by. With God by our sides nothing is impossible.Nothing is perfect, love is unconditional. Will forward this to my daughter to share.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much.
Carolyn Gowen says
God is using you Brie to help so many others. You have a supernatural way of expressing your feelings and using words people can relate to. Keep on keeping on as God leads you!!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much. That means a lot.