His Bride

"You are embedded in my heart. You dwell within me."

Just like the beauty of capturing fireflies in a jar on a warm summer's evening, are the beauty of these precious words spoken to me by my beloved. Once these words were spoken, I pictured myself running through fields covered with lavender being pursued by him. Not running too hard because I longed to be captured and held in his arms. 

"You're imagination has gone wild." as some would say.

Romantic as it sounds and unrealistic as it may be, I have these thoughts often of my beloved and me. For many years I've wondered what could bring a man to express these types of emotions? They say men are suppose to be tough and rugged. They are told being all emotional is wimpy. Somehow, my beloved is able to express himself in such a way that most men would cringe at the thought of doing it. The thought of letting their wives see them in such a venerable state causes a man to turn away from her, rather than let his true feeling show.

Mother's Day weekend was a special time for us. We spent time alone away from the children. Away from everything. Before we left, I knew our time away would be special. How special I didn't know for sure. We made a decision long ago that when we had alone time, it was just that. Alone. Being whisked away so quickly by my husband had me blushing. The excitement alone I could hardly contain, but I knew something would be different this time.....

"You are embedded in my heart. You dwell within me."

I was in awe over his choice of words. Looking into his eyes as I felt my hands being held by the hands that go out each day to provide for the children and me, I asked him to explain what he meant. His example was like that of a tree. The roots of a tree go deep. Roots grow all throughout the soil and intertwine with each other. They grow around hard rocks and still manage to survive.

While the tears of joy fell down my plump cheeks, there was a question that pondered my mind. Don't get me wrong. I was elated. Emotions were hard to contain. Between the tears and the giggles I asked, "What made you say that?"

His response was shocking to me because I didn't realize how important my actions throughout our marriage meant to him.

He went on to explain that I still acted like his bride.

Puzzled by his response because we've been married for some time now. I know there have been times when I didn't "act" my best. I inquired of him to expound so that I can understand. If my action brought out emotions like this, I want to keep "acting" this way.

He went on to explain that I still do the same things I did when we first met. Flabbergasted, I thought for sure I had grown and matured over the years. So being the inquisitive woman that I am, I wanted to know more. I wanted details.

To my surprise he proceeded to tell my that I've remained feminine all these years and still blush as if it's his first time talking to me.

Huh? That's it! I've been whisked away for a romantic weekend. Heard the sweetest words that a woman longs to hear all because I'm feminine and I blush. Surely there's got to be more than this.

Why wouldn't I remain feminine? After all, I knew from the very beginning it was the pink colors, soft shades purple, the twirl of my skirt and the way I curled my hair that kept his eyes focused on me. Blushing just comes naturally because I see the glistening in his eyes and I know what he's thinking upon my arrival to any setting, public or private.

I don't claim to be an expert on how to be the perfect wife. I'm far from it, but I think my husband may be onto something here. As women we long for that man who would open the car door for us. That man who would go out of his way to romance us and swoon at the sight of us. That same man who received a confirmation that yes we will become his bride.

Does your husband still see you as his bride? If not, is it because you no longer act like his bride?

My imagination of a bride consist of a woman who's blushing and makes an effort to be the best whenever she's in the presence of her bridegroom. It behooves us to continue "acting" like his bride long after the marriage covenant is made. Just as marriage represents an earthly relationship of Christ and the church, we are the church. As wives, let us be the example of what the church looks like.

As we anticipate the return our bridegroom, we so eagerly act like His bride. We make sure our hearts are clean because we know that He's coming for a church without a spot or blemish. In the same manner, let us always act like a bride to our husbands. Let our hearts remain steadfast focused on pleasing him only and our thoughts toward him pure.