First Love, Forever Love
Three years ago, I was hanging out with my two youngest grandsons while their mom and dad were out of town. That was “the usual” — not because they couldn’t handle themselves, but because their parents preferred Nana’s watchful oversight.
I’ll never forget the night Brennan walked through the door after a date with the most adorable girl, Kylie. He plopped onto the couch, deep in thought, and asked, “Nana, how will I know if I love her?”
My answer was simple then, and it remains the same today: “When you can’t bear being without her.”
It seems that advice was worth something because this past Valentine’s Day, my precious Brennan — grandson #3 of four — put together the most romantic and well-thought-out plan to ask Kylie to be his forever. He arranged dinner, got down on one knee, and asked the big question. And of course, she said yes! Then, as if the night couldn’t get any more spectacular, they took a helicopter ride that carried them to their parents, who wrapped them in love and blessings.
From Cabo San Lucas, Carl and I received the call — FaceTime, of course, because excitement like that had to be seen! Their faces were lit up with pure joy, and our hearts were full, witnessing this young love take flight — literally and figuratively.
First love. Fresh love. Forever love.
Marriage is a gift designed by God, built not just on romance but on the steadfast love of Christ. It is the daily choosing, the selfless giving, and the commitment to love as God first loved us (1 John 4:19). My prayer for Brennan and Kylie is that their love remains anchored in His unshakable love, through every joy and trial.
And for the rest of us — those who’ve walked this road for years –maybe it’s time to remember our first love. That moment when our hearts were young and full, when the simple joy of being together was enough. Maybe it’s time to rekindle, to look at our spouse with fresh eyes, and to love with the same devotion we first promised.
God’s love is the foundation of every great love story. May we all walk in that love today and always.
“We love because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19