Relentless Love
I enjoy watching romantic comedies. My hubby however does not. He doesn’t like them because of how I think after watching them.
I love the story line at usually goes something like this; Girl has some sort of life hardship. As she is working on her “self care”, she meets a guy. Comedy ensues as they navigate the struggle of overcoming the baggage they have and creating a new relationship. At some point about 3/4 the way through the movie they break up because it’s too hard to deal with. BUT THEN, some random event brings them back together and they realize the relationship is worth the struggle. They kiss and live happily ever after. Now, that may be a bit of a stretch to characterize all romantic comedies that way but it’s pretty close.
What I see in these movies is “love story” we all want. You meet someone who loves you in spite of all your short comings. They are willing to extend grace and love that creates a place for good, positive change to come in your life. Makes you a better person to be with them. I get dreamy eyes thinking of this scenario. I don’t think any of this idea is bad really. But real life isn’t that clean and simple and it certainly doesn’t wrap up in a nice bow in 2 hours of time. That’s what my hubby hates. Suddenly I have this weird expectation that he should act a certain way or respond to my “baggage” with hugs and deep looks into my eyes. He should show up at the perfect time to show me how deeply he loves me. This is all unreal expectation that I place on him after watching these types of shows. I know very well that it’s a movie and it’s ridiculous of me to expect that of him but because it makes me feel good, I want it. Can I remind you that, although it’s unfair to place this expectation on Brett, I have this desire in my heart because God placed it there only He wants me to look to Him to meet this need.
We are created to want love and to be loved unconditionally. Only, it isn’t meant to be fulfilled in a spouse but rather by the Father of Love.
My favorite book in the Bible is Hosea. Hosea is one of those books that I read and see the Father of Love so clearly. The idea that Hosea and Gomer are a picture of God and Israel and then God and us, is so comforting to me. Gomer has baggage and then some! She creates more baggage while with Hosea. Gomer makes such huge mistakes that it seems irreparable. But Hosea brings her back to a place a healing and restoration.
God is the same way! We get lost in our decisions and desires, but God is always moving us into a place where we can see Him more clearly and understand His love more completely. He wants to use these “random events” in our lives to show us – we are worth the struggle. He wants to be with us! He loves us even with our baggage.
Rather than focus on the latest romantic movie, I need to focus my attention on the One who gives me unconditional love and spend my time seeking that relationship. My life is a romantic movie already, I just need to change my perspective.
