Are you hooked on romance? A chic flick junkie? I admit that I love a good story – a happily ever after. How about you? How about those sad love songs like the one that’s playing in my head right now: You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling. Yes, I’m dating myself. I can hear the Righteous Brothers singing their 1964 recording… “and it’s gone, gone, gone.” My younger audience will have to google it and the rest of us won’t be able to get the tune out of our heads for a while.
Whether you are in a relationship now or simply enjoy living through the characters in a good romance, I invite you to continue reading. I believe there is something here for everyone.
Fall in Love Again Series
If you’ve kept up with this Fall in Love Again series, you know that it was birthed as a result of my quiet time with the Lord. The words appeared in my spirit – a whisper – a knowing – so subtle and yet real: Fall in Love Again. You will also know that I’ve been postponing the “romance” topic. Afterall, it’s what most of us women (not sure about the men) think about when we consider the Fall in Love Again topic.
Seriously Lord? I’m not feeling it right now. How can I write about romance?
Fortunately, that’s not where I was to start. To date I’ve written 4 posts in this series. As a reminder we’ve covered:
- Remember Why You Started is about you and God – His love for you and your love for Him.
- Mind Your Own Love is about loving yourself – owning your rightful place in God’s plan so that you can be about the business of life.
- Embrace Your Story is a treasure hunt – your assignment is to discover or revisit precious nuggets of life lessons.
- Mind Your Own Normal is about embracing today’s version of your life.
What is Romance?
I’ve learned when coaching couples, that each individual has their own version of romance. Here are some definitions I found:
- a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life.
- love, especially when sentimental or idealized.
- a genre of fiction dealing with love in an idealized way.
- a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.
- a book or movie dealing with love in a sentimental or idealized way.
Essentially, it’s a feeling that takes us beyond our everyday life. It is packed with mystery, excitement and takes us to our imaginary happy place, our ideal.
Romance shows up not only for couples. Similar feelings show up when we begin a new adventure – a change in our everyday life brings about the element of the unknown. New school, new friends, new job, new ministry, are just a few of the examples. Romance is a choice, a mindset that opens us up to the unknown. When embraced, we become willing to step out of our comfort zone to experience the wonder of it all. We idealize the outcome – creating our version of happily ever after.
Romance Matters
Have you ever experienced the joy of a new beginning? Not all of us welcome change with enthusiasm. But even those that normally don’t, must admit that when romance shows up in the way of a relationship or job offer or even an unexpected gift – it’s magic! When God is at the center however, it takes us beyond magic – to a place of joy that is founded in love. This is the romance worth rekindling; the romance that sustains us through the tough times. God wants this for us. Here’s the deal, He delights in our delight! “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
Where has the Romance Gone?
Not feeling it right now? I surely wasn’t when I began to write this series. Life had presented me with one too many challenges. Fall in love again? Seriously? I couldn’t get there from where I was standing. My marriage, my business, my ministry… they were all getting by. I didn’t have the strength or even the desire to do anything about it. It happens. Life presents challenges and if we’re not paying attention, we lose track of what really matters.
Rekindle the Romance – Where to Begin?
As I look back on this writing project which started in August 2018, I realize that God was gently leading me to a place of renewal. He walked me through each of the four steps I’ve shared in this series. Admittedly, it got messy. I wanted the romance back and I wanted it back “right now!” I often wonder how God puts up with me – <<sigh>>
Where should you begin to rekindle the romance – the passion for what God has placed in your life? Begin at the beginning– with Him. Yes, if you haven’t done so already, I invite you to not only read the first four posts but ask the Lord what you are to take away from each one.
Next, ask God for your priorities. If you’re like me, you’ve got lots going on – which one to work on first?
Falling in love again is a choice. It takes intention and work. If your assignment involves other people, invite them to participate with you. Focus on why it matters to God and then to you. Remember why you started. Cast a vision for how it will be going forward.
Forgive yourself and anything and anyone who has had a part in your circumstance. Let go of anything that would hinder your progress. Consider starting each day with this thought, “Today I begin again.”
Be creative. Romance is made up moments and they are unique to you. Love is a verb. It’s in the doing that love is demonstrated. Have fun! Remember, there is joy in the journey.
The Time is Now
This is your call to action – to prayer – to letting go – to moving on to what God has planned for you. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. I’ll be praying for you. There will be obstacles and perhaps disappointments. Stay the course.
Not sure where to begin? Schedule a coaching session to explore your options and put a plan in place.
Join the Conversation
Did you have an ah-ha moment when reading? Scroll down and share your thoughts in the Join the Conversation section. Include any questions you may have or suggestions for future articles.
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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