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So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV

Boy meets girl, they usually go through some difficulty getting together, and then they fall in love and live happily ever after. Cinematography’s favorite plot. And mine. My family used to tease me mercilessly about always watching movies with a heartwarming conclusion. I positively love a good romantic love story. Or at least I did until my husband died.

Recently, I decided to spend an evening in front of a good chick flick, a romantic comedy. I hadn’t watched one since my husband died but I thought – I am better now, I’ll enjoy it. I guess it hasn’t been long enough because I could have filled buckets with the tears I shed. When I finally pulled myself together, I started rewriting the script in my head. It made me realize how frustrated I am. This world is constantly trying to convince us that falling in love with a man and living happily ever after is what life is all about. But if that’s the case – I am in serious trouble – where is my heartwarming conclusion?

My heartwarming conclusion and yours, is the greatest love story ever told. It is a love so deep, so wide, so strong, so faithful, so merciful, so gracious, so kind, so patient, nothing can ever be compared to it. We were loved before we took our first breath. Our God loves us so much He humbled himself to come to this Earth to pay for our sins, so we could be His spotless bride! Because of His sacrifice, we are holy. Nothing we can do will ever make Him love us more; nothing we can ever do will make Him love us any less. He will never leave us, nor forsake us. He delights in us – for all eternity! Read these truths again. And again. And again. Until they permeate through your entire body.

Our heartwarming conclusion is beyond anything Hollywood could ever write– all we need is focus. Just like the Apostle Paul, we need to focus on the eternal things that are unseen instead of the temporary things that are seen.

We need to focus on:

• God and His purposes – instead of the empty seat which is so very visible beside us.
• His love – not the absence of our loved one
• Remembering we are His eternal bride – not just a temporary widow.

Focus takes work. It takes discipline. It requires us to recognize the lies we encounter each and every day and rewrite the script with God’s truth. We are in this together. Let us encourage one another to focus on the things that are eternal so we can fully live our heartwarming conclusion each and every day!

Dear Heavenly Father, we are so grateful to know we are forever Your spotless bride! Thank You for loving us more than we can ever comprehend, and please help us stay focused on You every day! In Your Son’s Precious Name. Amen.