Learning True Love in Times of Waiting

 by Cindy Hester

I felt the autumn breeze upon my face
And watched my parent’s sweet embrace
Their love had stood the test of time
Love at its finest hour, sublime

They honored one another’s heart
They stood together, not apart
Yet free their souls to grow and learn
As independent cogs do turn

Within a jeweler’s watch of gold
Much too priceless to be sold
Or cast before a careless one
To be destroyed and left for done

Instead they knelt before the King
And placed before Him everything
Their lives, their home, their children too
They gave to Him and they’d stayed true

To pledges made so long ago
And this is how I came to know
What Christ designed for man and wife
Did not include abuse and strife

I knew that day things had to change
My life I’d need to rearrange
In order to fulfill the plan
Untouched by any human man

I’d lost my way, I’m sad to say
But there would dawn a brand new day
With strength renewed I’d fly up high
With eagles way up in the sky

My wounded heart would slowly heal
When placed upon the Potter’s wheel
Reshaped the broken pieces now
Before Him, how I gladly bow

I dance with joy before the throne
Never again to feel alone
With Him first place I learned to love
And never place someone above

His rightful place as Savior, King
And now I gladly wear this ring
A symbol of respect and joy
He will not use me as a ploy

In selfish plots to meet a need
Left there by someone’s selfish deed
I’m grateful to my Mom and Dad
And for the great love that they had.

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 13:4–8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails … (NIV)

Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. (NIV)

Ephesians 5:33
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (NIV)