There seems to be a process in love relationships. The boy’s first glance at the girl produces butterflies and excitement. A few dates later commences hours of late night talks. The “honeymoon” period finally wears off and the “fighting” period begins. Then comes friendship, companionship, and love. Yet, at some point throughout this process the words “I love you” is spoken.
I accidentally slipped the phrase “I love you” to my now wife as we were looking at yahoo maps. (Just a note to the guys out there–not smooth and not romantic!)
Although, if you ask someone when they knew they were in love many times they respond with, “I don’t know…I just knew.” Those kind of statements make it difficult to know when this word “love” is real.
Know this–love has certain emotions, but ultimately love is a choice. A choice to commit, a choice to be patient, a choice to be kind, a choice to forgive, (1Cor 13). As time moves on, your emotions will change, but your choice to love will remain.
Photo taken by Thomas R. Stegelmann
