9 years ago today, I was anxiously waiting to slip into my dress, walk down the aisle, surrounded by all my friends and family, and say “I do” to the love of my life… for the rest of my life. I would love to say that it’s been easy peasy since then, but we have certainly hit our bumps in the roads and detours. But I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else by my side. Some days it seems like we have been married for a life time, and some days it seems like our wedding just happened. But 3 kids, 3 moves, and a life time of experience shows us differently.
A few years ago my hubby and I were discussing what the word “love” means here (in the States). We use the word “love” for a lot of things. We say things like “I love you”, “I love this food”, I love my friends”, “I love summer”…. The word just gets tossed around all over and sometimes it loses it’s meaning. Love is more of an emotion not just a word. I wish that there were different words that can express your love. I know in different languages they have different ways of expressing “love”. So while my hubby and I were discussing this we decided it would be cool to get the 4 words of love from the greek language tattoo’d on our arms. Here’s a pic…. (Taken by Odyssey Photography – who just happen to be my awesome cousins!)
It was kind of challenging to get the words lined up correctly, but you can get the idea. Since there are 4 different words for Love in the Greek Language we split up two of the words and then my hubby and I took one whole word. We decided on these words because we felt like it’s a perfect representation of the love we have for one another, and how it has grown through the years. Without one of these we won’t be able to make it. So, let me explain…
The first word, Storge (στοργή), is split between the two of us. This word is used to describe the affection that people have for one another. More of the early friendship type of love. It’s a love of familiarity. A love that I would share with my other family members. This would be that love that I would’ve shared with my hubby when we just met.
I have the next word, which is Philia (φιλία). This is the friendship love. CS Lewis describes this love as “the least biological, organic, instinctive, gregarious and necessary…the least natural of loves” This is the type of love that David and Jonathan shared in the Bible. This is the type of love that I share with only a few people in my life. I feel in today’s society this love is becoming lost. We are so in tune with our “friends” on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media that we don’t take the time to nourish our true, lasting friendships. To be 100% real with one another and love each other regardless of our choices.
My hubby has the next word, Eros (ἔρως). This is more of the romantic side of love. Falling in love with someone. This is a love, in my opinion, that should only be shared with your husband. I know that goes against what society finds acceptable today, but I’m old fashioned and only want to share this type of love with my one and only. My husband.
The last word, Agape (ἀγάπη), is one that we both share. This is the unconditional love. I like to think of this love as the way that God loves us. Completely unashamed, no strings attached love. No matter how many mistakes or mess ups we do, we know 100% that we will always be accepted, always be loved. Without this love, we would not be able to love at all.
I love my husband. After 9 years of being married and almost 13 years together my love for him has grown. It has been stretched, and challenged. Some days it is easy and some days it is difficult. But one thing is for sure… I would not want to go through life and love with anyone else!
What are some ways that these types of loves can be shown more in your relationship with your hubby?
Many Blessings,
Heather C.
PS… I apologize if this is a little more mushy, but it’s my anniversary! So I figured it would be OK!