A few years ago my wife wrote a blog post about how loving me is keen to climbing a treacherous mountain. No offense was taken, because let’s be honest…I’m not always perfect. I’m sure there are couples around the world today celebrating their love through various Valentine-type ways; but today I’d like to reflect on both what has been, and what will be. I’ve been married almost 14 years to the girlfriend I had in High School. We’ve lived in different states, different town, and many, many different houses. We’re raising 3 of our children, and often take in additional foster kids just to “spice it up” a little.
When I look at our marriage, I think of it as the marks on the wall that track your kids height. Years ago we were a mark way down at the floor, but through time and effort; we’ve slowly moved that mark up the wall. The thing is that the higher we get up the wall, the larger the wall becomes! But I know I have a lifetime to grow, expand, and learn to serve my wife more.
It’s in the spirit of that growing love that I dedicate one of the most famous poems ever written….
Sonnets from the Portuguese, XLIII || (From Robert Browning to Elizabeth Barrett Browning)
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right,
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith;
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, – I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! – and if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
