There’s a fairy tale notion of love that we just “fall in love” when we meet the right person. If we find Mr. or Mrs. Right, then the result of such falling in love is living happily ever after.
Not so.
True love is based on a decision to invest in another person. Yes, it’s great to start with someone that you find attractive for various areas of common interest or outer beauty. But, for that relationship to grow and last, it requires that both individuals sacrifice their own selfishness and invest time and energy in loving the other as they need. That’s what God meant when He said “a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife.” (Gen. 2:24)
When we put in the effort to love in God’s way, it IS delightful! Our lasting joy will grow as we share a common focus on Jesus and His love. You don’t just “fall” into it…and you don’t just “fall” out of it either. It endures. It grows. It blesses! It delights!
That’s why I’m thrilled on this FALL weekend to BE in love with my dear wife, Heather. I’m thankful we both have chosen to spend a day away together to grow in God’s love. That’s the REAL way to “FALL” in love.