Romance is hard work.

In our novels, we often stop at the point that a couple is discovering and leaning into their new love — unless it’s a marriage of convenience, and then they have to learn to love each other as newly married strangers. They go through struggles to reach that point, real barriers, but then the book closes with an acknowledgment that life won’t necessarily be easy, but as long as they have each other they will make it.

I love reading a well crafted romance with a richly layered hero and heroine. I may know it’s a foregone conclusion they will get together, but I want to remember the fun of young love.

I love going to weddings and anniversary celebrations. Joining with others as we dance and celebrate.

Then there are weeks like this one. A week where I hear about a high profile couple that is separating, and my heart becomes heavy. Anyone who’s been married past the honeymoon phase will tell you marriage is work. It takes intentionality and effort to keep the relationship healthy through the seasons of real life. The merging of two unique people with their stuff and lives. The addition of one or more disruptive little humans. The question of which career will take the lead for a season. Aging parents. Illness. Job loss or change. There are so many seasons and points that can put stress and strain on this key relationship.

When the stress becomes intense, it takes a willing humbleness to seek help. My husband and I call those tune-ups that have helped us at different points. This week, I’ve been reminded not to take it for granted that my husband and I are in a good season as we near twenty-five years. That hasn’t always been the case, and we have benefitted from dogged determination at times. I am blessed to have a husband who is willing to work on and for us. Not everyone does. I have watched and prayed as dear friends and family endured a divorce they desperately didn’t want–reinforcing that both have to want to make the marriage work.

Marriage is a living parable of the relationship Jesus wants to have with each of us. That is why it is under constant attack. This week I’ve been reminded to pray for the marriages around me including my own.

I think this is why the books we write are important, too. There’s such value to showing what can be. The reminder that we can love each other like Jesus does –even if it’s a shadow of how He loves. I still think about one of Rachel Hauck’s books where the theme was loving well. That resonated and impacted me on a deep level. I now find myself asking if I am loving well.

That’s part of the power of fiction.

Today I want to giveaway a copy of my latest novel. This romance had so many barriers…it was almost too much fun to write.
a Rafflecopter giveaway