Dogs, the Hulk, and Romance

Last Updated on March 20, 2018

I got up this morning determined to write about romance today because it’s February, and that’s what February is about, right? I didn’t even make it from the bedroom to the kitchen.

“Mom, the dogs got in the garage last night!”

“They chewed up my new batting glove I got for Christmas!”

“And my black tennis shoes!”

“And the Hulk shirt!”

So instead of romance, I have responsibility and restitution on my brain. I’m going to give it a go, anyhow, because romance is not just candles and bubble baths.

What is romance? My simplistic definition is anything that draws my heart by giving me special affection or attention. It could be a flower, a chocolate, a note, a coffee date, or a weekend away. It could also be kind and gentle words, a shoulder to cry on, an understanding ear, or a hug. I don’t really require much. I like to be on the receiving end from my husband.

I also love to be on the receiving end from the Creator of the universe. He personally loves me and has given me special attention!

God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God… 1 John 3:1

For God so loved [me] that He gave His one and only Son… John 3:16

Every day I receive God’s love when I spend time with Him by reading His words in the Bible (try Psalms) and praying, aligning my heart and mind with the truth He speaks. He sends me flowers in the spring, snow in the winter, and beautiful sunsets all year. He is a shoulder to cry on, an understanding ear, and a powerful Savior. He is good, and everything He does is good. His mercy is new every morning, and His love and faithfulness never end. He draws my heart!

And then I get to give to my husband and children!

Let us love one another, for love is from God… 1 John 4:7

We love because He first loved us… 1 John 4:19

For my husband, a flower probably won’t mean much, but a whisper in his ear or a well-placed kiss will. So will a word of encouragement or respect, like, “That’s a great idea!” or “I’m so glad I married you!” A clean bedroom (vacuum and make the bed, hide the laundry) is especially welcoming, and the smell of dinner cooking tells him I was thinking of him.

For my kids? Remember my definition of romance is drawing their hearts by special affection or attention. Yep, hugs and kisses. Reading books together (even older kids!), sharing secrets, snuggling on the couch, baking cookies, going on a hike, baking brownies, looking into their eyes and laughing together, listening – really listening, exclaiming, “Good job!”, whispering, “I didn’t know you felt that way,” praying for them, praying with them, hugging them again and telling them every day, “God loves you so much, and so do I!”

And once in a while, it means doling out a hug and an “I’m so sorry the dogs ate the Hulk shirt.”

How do YOU define romance?