My life is a courtship. I think it must be. I decided that upon reading the Upper Room meditation today called First Love. The author writes of rejuvenating her long-standing marital relationship with regular “dates.”

And I think, my life is a courtship, with the Love of my life. An ever-extended date where we get to know each other. We walk and talk and have wine with dinner. Of course there is bread. He pays the check. We see movies and watch tv shows. He rubs my feet and hugs me and tells me that he loves me. He asks me to marry him.

The wedding date? Oh, we haven’t set that yet. We’re still planning. The table settings, the flowers, the menu, the invitation list. Oh, the length of the list of those we love. How many bridesmaids? How many groomsmen? Who will perform the service? A rabbi? A minister? A priest? All three? Where will it be? Where will we celebrate afterwards? What song will be played for our first dance?

But for now, the courtship, gratefully taking time to know one another. To fall more deeply in love. Before the big day. When I am his bride. Bliss.

***

So many relationships falter. When they do, loving friends who have known and loved the couple often advise, “Go back to what first attracted you. To what you loved about him, about her.” Don’t let your love grow cold. Don’t let the things of life get in the way. Rekindle the fire of the first love, by courting each other again.

***

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” ~Psalm 100:4

So that on that day, the two become one flesh. United in Holy Matrimony, until death do us part. Wedded, eternal bliss.

My whole life is a courtship with the One True King.