My smile was short-lived last week.
Flu invaded my body. Out of nowhere, brutal, microscopic creatures brought me to my knees, had me cry, “Uncle!”
Three days disappeared while I slept, smothered beneath blankets. Trust me. I did NOT look like Sleeping Beauty and nobody dared wake me with a kiss.
By the fifth day, the novelty of being sick was over. I longed to enter the sunny world outside my bedroom window, but Flu turned into Bronchitis. Life was in a holding pattern while I waited for good health.
But nothing’s wasted.
While I lay comatose watching a steady dose of classic TV Land reruns, there was a jewelry commercial that told men: “Show your love by giving her a diamond.”
I shook my feverish head.
What does a diamond have to do with LOVE?
Does a bigger diamond mean I love you MORE?
Ridiculous!
After thirty three years of marriage, I know how Husband shows love and it doesn’t come in a jewelry box.
Love is action.
Husband shows love when flu makes me look like Road Kill, and yet he brings me a cup of tea, and runs a hot bath to soak my achy body.
Husband shows love when I’m coughing up phlegm and he asks me what I need from the store even though he just worked all day.
Husband shows love when I’m worried about my family and household duties, but he says, “Rest, everything is under control.”
Husband shows love when he gives me 18 pink roses even though I can’t smell them, and I know he’s tired of being Mr. Mom.
Love is revealed in a hundred small acts of service, in sickness and health, multiplied through the years.
“Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained” C. S. Lewis
“Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, 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.” (1 Corinth 13:4-8)
Funny, that a jewelry commercial should spark my ire.
But last week, I was shown love, and it did NOT look like a diamond.
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Even In This 
Reblogged this on Even In This and commented:
When I spoke with someone who has cancer, she couldn’t say enough about her husband’s incredible love and sacrificial giving towards her during this difficult time. Her words reminded me of this post which I wrote a few years ago when I was ill on Valentine’s Day.
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I have a diamond in my husband. He can drive me nuts sometimes, but he can take care of me when I’m down emotionally or physically. Thank You God for diamond! Hope you are feeling better.
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“Have a diamond in my husband.” Now that’s a perspective all wives should have when we look at our husbands. There’d be a lot more contentment.
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W O N D E R F U L !!!!!!!
Made me grin from ear to ear and say AWWWWW over and over. He is a jewel!!
Be better friend.
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Yes, he has his moments. But let’s not tell him. 🙂
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This should be mandatory reading for all those couples who think they’re “in love”. I totally agree with you…I feel the most loved not by words or gifts, but by my husband’s actions. Not saying I don’t enjoy his sweet words or the beauty of flowers on Valentine’s Day…but its in those “real” moments of life that you know the depth and commitment of his love. Thanks for this reminder 🙂
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You’re right Cathy. Flowers, jewelry, and words are always appreciated. BUT I feel the love MORE when I’m at my worst and my hubby becomes my caregiver. Probably because being a provider and protector comes more naturally for him. It’s nice to know I can count on him to see me through whatever life brings…this is love.
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