The Greatest of These is Love!
I Corinthians 13:13
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (NKJV)
My husband Mike and I were married on July 27, 1979 at Colonial Church of Edina. It was a ceremony that we planned ourselves, involved our dearest friends in and gave our hearts to in every way. One thing we did that was especially meaningful for is was to recite the entire love chapter from the New Testament, I Corinthians 13 back and forth to each other one verse at a time. It is a powerful, beautiful chapter and so much of it has remained in my heart and is there for meditation. I read it, and I treasure the memory of it. I like to try to recite it in my head to this day. “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels but have not love I am as a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” That part gave me pause today when I lost my temper at a circumstance in my life. Not at Mike. I was frustrated. But he heard the brunt of it. Boy was I a NOISY GONG. Not my best moment!
Later as we were reflecting on the evening before sleep, we remembered the doctor had given me a medication to take for a few days, effective in stopping rebound headaches — a cortisone type medicine. The side effects are sleeplessness and irritability. AH HA we said. That’s where that came from. It’s not like me to blow my stack like that. I felt so badly for the calm dear man I married who heard me.
For better or worse, in sickness and in health. God has prepared us for the health problems that have taken their toll on both of us. Nothing so serious as to give is cause to fear for life or limb, except maybe once. But, they have been enough to be wearing and came mostly from me. Now we believe we are seeing the end of them for a while and rejoice in the goodness of our Lord and His faithfulness through it all.
I am especially thankful for Mike. Dear one, patient, strong and always kind. Best friend of my heart and mind. Caring and loving man that I married. I will always think the best of him, do the best for him and trust him with my life. He won my heart, earned my trust my faith in him and he is filled himself with the faith of the Lord. I honor, respect him and find him wonderful, funny and huggable. The rest is ours.
Thanks Lord tonight and every night for this good man you gave me. Bless him. Bless his days and his health and work. Lead he and I in your way everlasting. Thank you for the gift of unselfish, giving Godly love and all the wonderful kinds of love!
“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
– (Harry Burns) WHEN HARRY MET SALLY
Libby Baker Sweiger 
Well I commented once but it disappeared. Libby, I really enjoyed this. You and I are so blessed to have such spouses. Side effects from my medications have left me standing hat in hand more than once, so certain I had worn out my welcome. But understanding and love have won out.
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That’s beautiful Tom, “understanding and love have won out.” That is how is should be. But we frail human beings all have our moments, not it would seem the conquering warriors of love we have been blessed to marry! God is good and also leads people together who complete each other and glorify Him. God bless you my brother!
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Lovely Libby, Wonderful, once again! I praise God that HE has given us our wonderful hubbies, who have gone through so much with our health issues & never thought twice bout what to do… they simply love us, & take care of us, & help to pull us through! In a world where so many marrages are in brokeness, or one big roller coaster ride… I am thankful that you have Mike, & I have John! We truely have blessed marrages! Glory to GOD!!!! LUMBJLUM! ~ ❤ ~
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You said it so well Mary, as did Tom. John and Mike have both been stalwarts of strength! I know it gets frustrating sometimes, but then I am well! 🙂 God is good. I hope we both enjoy some major well time in the future dearest sweet friend Mare! I love your expression LUMBJLUM and have to spell it out again for those who don’t know this acronym of love! “Love you more but Jesus loves you most!” Back atcha girl! xxoo
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Libby, This came at a perfect time for me! Thank You!!!
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You’re welcome Denise! Love you girl! xxoo
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That was absolutely beautiful! What a gift to each other to read from that passage! Guess what? You were married on my oldest daughter’s birthday. She was born years later, but the same day. =) What a wonderful marriage you and Mike have!
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It is a wonderful! 33 years in July! God has blessed us…sufferings from without, but not from within. 🙂 He loves us so!
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