Beautiful romance in the midst of trials.

http://www.jaypatelphotography.com/gallery [These photos capture a glimpse of the beauty that God aches for in our relationship with HIM.]

In awe of the romance God is drawing us to daily to be nearer to him. This is the true romance: not even close to the romantic images found in my favorite chick flicks. This love is so great that he sacrificed his only son to die in our place--not based on feelings or physical desires. A book I'm reading now makes it very clear that it is based on a choice. A commitment that says, "I will seek your highest good above my own. I will lay down my life for you." And that is what I will do, Father.

If the powerful death of Jesus is not enough to convince, Here is a story which shows a beautiful example of 'a love that lasts through the storms':

Karen & Scott had been happily married for about ten years when something happened that changed their lives forever. Scott, a respected businessman, was driving to work when he collided with a large truck pulling a two-ton trailer. In the accident the trailed landed on top of his car, pinning him underneath. He suffered a severe blow to the head. He had extensive brain damage and couldn't think or communicate as an adult any longer. He didn't even remember Karen at first.

Over the following months, Karen had to adjust to seeing her husband confined to a wheelchair and speaking/acting like a child. He had to be fed, washed, dressed...he was no longer the capable man she had married. Most of us wouldn't blame Karen if she had simply put Scott into a nursing home & gotten on with her life. After all, he could no longer meet any of her needs, and it was a huge burden upon her to care for him when he was like this. But, as Karen puts it, "I remembered that on our wedding day I had made a commitment to Scott...and a commitment isn't meant to be broken!" [Similar to our commitment to trust Christ!]

For years, she faithfully served Scott, loving him even when he didn't remember her or love her back. Today, Scott has made tremendous progress in his condition, yet he still remains physically impaired. He is always in need of Karen's faithful love, help, and support, and she is faithful to give it. How incredible beautiful! This is heroic Christ-like love in action.                                                  -Eric & Leslie Ludy

This story captures my heart for so many reasons, but here are just a few:

1) the beautiful image of unconditional love portrayed here in this marriage, just as we are to portray unconditional love in our marriage to Christ...
2) the importance of a commitment and how it is not meant to be broken, even in rough times
3) in the midst of a GINORMOUS trial: Karen's life changed...her relationship with Scott definitely changed...and I'm sure her relationship with Christ changed as well during this huge life change...and yet she still pursued this great love <3

When we go through trials, our relationship with God will obviously have some differences from when we are 'smooth-sailin'...However, the thing that remains is [unconditional] love and trust. We don't have to worry and freak out if we are going through a different season in life, which causes some differences in our relationship with Christ. After all, he brings us through many seasons. As long as we are seeking him wholeheartedly. [You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13...SO good!]

We can recognize with a peace that we are still being romanced and accepting it even through trials and changes coming about. He doesn't want us to give up or feel rejected if our feelings aren't the same about our relationship with him. It's a choice, remember. Seek comfort in this truth that no matter what we are feeling, we have a beautiful romancer at our door, ready to show us the most true love.

There is a beautiful romance in the midst of trials. We just have to open our eyes and be willing to see it.