Love Stories and the Greatest Love of All

Here I go again — another love story unfolding in our family!

Last month, on Valentine’s Day, my fourth grandson, Brennan, proposed to his sweetheart, Kylie, marking the start of a beautiful new chapter. And just three weeks later, on March 8th, my only granddaughter, Alexia, said “yes” to her sweetheart, Winston.

And just like that, life keeps moving. One moment, they’re children playing in the backyard; the next, they’re stepping into forever with the ones they love. I’m so grateful for these joys, these new beginnings, these answered prayers.

Winston planned his proposal with stealth and intention — inviting Alexia on a hike, something they’ve always loved to do together. There’s nothing quite like the Tennessee mountains and valleys, where the sky stretches wide, and the world feels hushed beneath God’s handiwork.

That evening, they face-timed us, with smiles as wide as the horizon behind them. But truth be told, we weren’t surprised. We already loved Winston from the first time we met him last Thanksgiving. He was already part of the family in our hearts.

Now, with two engagements in the family, we’re watching love unfold right before our eyes — two young couples stepping into their futures, full of expectation, dreams, and the joy of what’s to come.

But even as we celebrate these earthly love stories, I can’t help but be reminded of the greatest love story of all — Christ’s love for His bride.

Just as a bride waits for her groom, we, as the Church, are waiting for ours — Jesus, our Bridegroom. Scripture tells us, “For your Maker is your husband — the Lord Almighty is His name” (Isaiah 54:5). One day, there will be a heavenly wedding feast, and we, His beloved, will be gathered with Him for eternity.

Earthly love is a beautiful gift, but no love compares to the relentless, redeeming, and everlasting love of Jesus. And that, my friends, is the love that truly lasts forever.