Contagious Love

Julie:

Our son is getting married in six weeks and four days – but who’s counting?  He is our first child to tie the knot, and we are beyond excited!   Last weekend was our first bridal shower.  It was a delight to watch our son and future daughter-in-law as they were showered with gifts and, more importantly, with love from our family and friends.  It was a day of joy, fun, and laughter.  It even brought a few tears as I thought about my mom and sister and how much they would have loved our daughter-in-law to be and enjoyed celebrating this moment in our son’s life.  

As I watched our future DIL interact with our families and friends, I was struck by her grace and her beauty that radiated from the inside out.  Her giant smile matched her giant heart and she was simply enchanting.  I was also struck by the depth of the love I felt for her and have felt for her since long before she said, ‘Yes!” to our son’s proposal.  What a gift.  Everyone at the shower was given a gift by watching the two of them together.  Their love for each other shone brightly as they playfully bantered back and forth, held hands, shared kisses, and gently reached out to touch each other throughout the day, creating a desire in the rest of us for this “contagious love.” 

John:

Our son and his bride-to-be have looked to us for mentorship and guidance as they prepare for their own marriage.  They have told us that they admire our relationship and want what we have.  While this is what every parent wants to hear, we were humbled, to say the least.  Our love IS contagious – we affect others, sometimes even total strangers, in ways that we don’t even realize. By acting in a kind and courteous manner toward one another, showing our affection for each other through our body language, staying physically close, and through our tone of voice, we subtly tell the world that we love each other deeply, that true love is indeed possible.  In a world where life can be unpredictable and difficult, our love can be a beacon of hope for couples whose marriages are caught in a turbulent storm.  

Julie:

In a similar way, we are inspired by the contagious love that we observe in other couples.  My mom and dad greatly impacted us in how they lived their lives.  They shared their affection more visibly than anyone else we know.  They were a great example for others as they held hands frequently and weren’t afraid to share a kiss in public. Sure, they squabbled, but we witnessed forgiveness and mercy in their relationship as well.  They gave selflessly of their love over the years, parenting four foster children along with their own five kids.  They encouraged my siblings and me to always do more and be more.  They were a great example to us through their involvement in their church, community, and in our schools.  They have been and continue to be an amazing example of marriage for us and all those lucky enough to have known them.  We aspire to be an example for others as they have been an example for us.

John: 

So whether you realize it or not, YOUR love IS contagious!  Don’t be afraid to let it shine!  😊