Choosing to live in love

     I remember when I was younger like middle school, high school times and I dreamed of this breathtaking romance that would sweep me off of my feet. A passion to send chills up my spine and leave me with a constant butterfly flutter feeling in my stomach. Even now I catch myself watching cheesy romantic comedies and Hallmark Christmas movies and feel that envy for the romance. 
     However, a few recent events have had me reflecting on my relationship and it has become clear to me, especially in the last few weeks, that I have something that is so much more than that, and something I only hope for young girls to dream of. I am not here to brag or to claim that my life is perfect (it's far from it, nor would I want it to be). I am just here to point out that so many of you have it to, you just maybe don't realize it yet because you're choosing to focus on all of the wrong things. I know that someone out there reading this is struggling in their relationship and could use a little light shed their way. 

     This picture right here, this is love, spending life with a person who does so much more for me than sweep me off of my feet and leave me with flutters, though he still does do this sometimes. What he really does, all of the little things combined, is what makes me love him more every day. He's the guy that fills my car with gas when it's low and turns it on in the morning so it's warm for me when I am ready to leave. He vacuums out my car so it's a clean drive, and he gets on the ladder to help me out with the high stuff in my classroom.  He drives when we travel because he knows I don't like to. He's the guy who empties the dishwasher because he knows it's my absolute least favorite thing to do. He's the guy who changes the lightbulbs, the oil in my car, the furnace filter and the guy who empties the garbage and cleans out the trash bin when it gets nasty. He's the guy who buys the dogfood and lugs the 50+ pound bags out from the store and into our home. He is the guy who cleans up dog vomit and scoops the poop out of the yard (so glamorous). He's the guy who packs the cooler for our social outings and who always makes sure I have what I want to drink. He takes care of our pool, mows the yard, blows the leaves, cleans the gutters and he also handles our finances. He is also the guy who cooks us pizza on Sunday and makes late night runs to the store in the cold when we need something last minute. He does all of these things so that I don't have to. He takes care of me, he does the dirty work. It's uneventful, and far from exciting or glamorous but it's the epitome of real romance. 
     So many people don't believe in lifelong commitments and loving just one person your whole life. Some wonder how that's done. While we have only been married for 14 years and together for 20, I can't claim to know best and have all of the answers nor be a marriage guru. I do know however, that this guy who carries the groceries in from the car is my best friend. He's the one I confide in, the one I cry to, the one I can be the most vulnerable in front of. He is the one who knows me better than I know myself sometimes. He knows what I need and he's the first person who steps up to fulfill those needs and he truly just wants me to be happy. 
      I believe whole heartedly in lifetime love but I also believe that you have to wake up every morning and choose to love. He isn't perfect, neither of us are, we both have enough imperfections to drive each other absolutely crazy. I could pick him a part all day long and resent his imperfections, but instead I choose to love him for him and what he does for me. I choose to give him grace and love him for who he is and that's what I hope he does for me. Choosing to feel love and happiness when he walks in the door after a long day, choosing to hug him and hold his hand and rub his back even though touch is not remotely close to my love language. Choosing to embrace his butt taps and juicy kisses, choosing to live each day in love with him is what a love story really is and what every person should dream of having in life.
     The cheesy romance, the heart stopping passion, yeah that's nice, but watching a man who loves you, coach your kids, fold the laundry, and clear out the driveway after a big snow, all of those little every day things are what makes a true love story.