How to Love a Woman

Today was Mother's Day, and instead of the traditional message about moms, my pastor preached more to men and how they are to love their wives. At first I was kind of dreading sitting through something like that because it just doesn't apply to me right now and I didn't really want to hear about husbands and wives after losing Steve. However, it ended up being comforting in a way I never would have dreamed. Each time the pastor made a new point, I could say to myself, "That's how Steve loved me" or "Steve was like that." Of course, Steve wasn't perfect, but I was able to hear it verbalized about how great of an experience it was to be loved by him. The pastor mentioned the verse about being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. That completely describes Steve. He talked about the importance of communication, and it made me remember just how many times Steve and I would just sit and talk, about anything really. I can remember Steve saying how much he missed that until he met me, about how good it felt to just talk to someone and have them be interested and talk back. The pastor talked about providing and protecting, and those also made me think of Steve. At about the middle of the sermon, the pastor said something that stood out so much to me and grabbed my heart. He said to the men something like, "What if God put you in her life to make a difference? What if He knew she could be a better mom with you loving her? What if He knew she could be a stronger person with you encouraging her?" That completely blew me away. I have no doubt that God used Steve in my life for that very reason. I know I am much better, healthier, and stronger since I have been loved by Steve. It is amazing to me, not just that Steve loved me, but that God loves me so much that He wanted me to have that experience. He wanted me to be loved by someone like Steve. He knew what that could do for me. Yes, I am still sad; yes, I still miss Steve so much, but at the same time, I am so very thankful for the experience. I am blessed.