In my very early contacts with who would become my Intended Beloved, I realized that I had not seen any close-up pictures of him.  We had met online after Steve had found me in the database of the dating website   Yahoo Personals.  He certainly spoke and wrote like a God-fearing man yet I could not yet see it in his eyes!  “Could you send me a picture that includes a look into your eyes closer-up?”  I asked.  Here is one that he sent me.

I was tickled that he took the time (long before the convenience of smart phones, by the way) to set up his tripod, take and upload the photos, then send them to me via email!  Wow.  He must have liked my profile photo a bit more than I thought already?

Flash forward less than a year and the look we have as we gaze at each other at our wedding probably tells its own story . . .

How could I possibly know that this gaze would only deepen, soften, and grow to a bond impervious to the tempestuous trials that came our way four years later?  Only the Lord knew what was ahead of us.  Only the Lord and the workings of the Holy Spirit could move this love to such a tender place built to last.

Funny thing is that I do not have a recent picture to show you what I mean.   We just haven’t been able to go out as much to make memories worthy of recording.  A photo taken on our recent anniversary may show a bit of weariness for me.  Yet if you look closely, that’s a mighty strong arm holding me closely to his side.  The joy on Steve’s face is unmistakable.  That’s an arm of protection, of leadership, of devotion like no other wrapped tightly around me on a cool wintry night.

I am so very grateful to see the eyes of Christ in my precious Steve.  Like my Lord Jesus, Steve is even more wonderful than the day I met him.  His love has transformed my heart for sure.

Ever look into the eyes of someone like that, Gentle Reader?  Was it long ago?  Oh I hope that if it has not yet happened then it will someday soon!  When it does I hope that you will tell the world about it.  Maybe with a song like this one, in celebration of the eyes of love tonight: