How long has it been since you wrote your sweetheart a love letter? With recent news of Governor Mark Sanford’s “extramarital emails” I couldn’t help but wonder how his life would be different if he had invested the same time and energy into writing love letters to his wife.
Certainly it can take more effort to feel those romantic feelings toward one’s spouse when many years of marriage have passed, but it is simply a matter of where we put our time, effort and attention that counts, for love is an action. Feelings follow-not lead.
Always Be on Guard
For now, suffice it to say that all couples ought to be aware of extramarital temptation, as temptations can occur to anyone, especially given the right set of circumstances.
Our responsibility as married couples is to do what it takes to minimize precarious circumstances. Couples must always be on guard.
One way to stay out of dangerous territory is to keep your thoughts on your spouse. Thoughts are the first step toward actions. We may all benefit from the exercise of penning words of love and admiration to our spouse.
I imagine my husband might wonder what’s up for me to write a love letter to him when it isn’t his birthday or our anniversary. But I imagine he’d get over it fairly quickly!
Love Letter Challenge
My challenge to all of us is to write some loving thoughts about your spouse, to your spouse-this week. We welcome you to share some of your thoughts here, anonymously, to provide inspiration for others. Consider sharing the response you receive from your spouse as well!
Stir the Longing
Maybe it might help to imagine that your spouse has been away for some time for a work assignment or is far away serving in the military. Stirring up the longing that such circumstances might invite may get your romantic feelings flowing. This mental exercise is the key to keeping our thoughts in check-keeping our actions in check as well.
Let the Poet in You Go
In taking my own advice I was a bit surprised to find tears coming to my eyes as I allowed the greater depth of thought and emotion to surface. From a place of genuine love your words will resonate well with the intended one. Let the poet in you go.
Feel free to bring out the thesaurus, if helpful, to create depth to your words and let your feelings flow. You may find some additional helps for writing your love letter here. Below you’ll find a sample love letter to prompt your musings of love and adoration:
My Dearest Darling Husband,
My heart longs to be near you. My arms long to feel the warmth of your gentle touch. I savor your scent as I snuggle up into your chest. I feel safe and protected when I am nestled in your strong arms. I need your touch. I see myself in your eyes and pray for a smile to accompany your gaze. The joy of my soul multiplies when I am captured in your love.
The thought of your distance weighs heavy on my soul longing for the lift that occurs when I again see your face. Your return stirs my heart each day as I sense your anticipated presence. Our children sparkle at your appearance, and I find myself drawn to your embrace. Your kiss softly touches my lips reconnecting our hearts at your return.
Sometimes my gaze lingers as you turn and walk away. I catch my breath and close my eyes to capture your presence in my soul. I consider my good fortune as I contemplate the blessing you are in my life. The sun shines more brightly for me because of you. The sparkle in your eyes and the power of your soul keep me ever in your embrace.
Know my beloved darling that I am forever yours, forever your adoring one. I thank my loving God for the gift He has given me of YOU.
Your Ever Adoring Wife
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Happy love-letter writing…!
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Laura M. Brotherson is the author of a groundbreaking book on sexual intimacy and marital oneness entitled, And They Were Not Ashamed-Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment. Laura shares her passion for building strong marriages and families as an author, intimacy educator, blogger and podcaster.
Visit her website www.StrengtheningMarriage.com to learn more, and to sign up for her “Straight Talk about Strengthening Marriage” newsletter. StrengtheningMarriage.com is your trusted resource for education, products and services to strengthen marriages…intimately!
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