The Face of Love

 

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The noisy buzz of the crowd quieted quickly and a hush fell on the room. Music, once softly playing in the background, changed its intensity and directed everybody’s attention towards the wide antique doors opening in the back of the church. The beat of my heart rose dramatically when everybody stood to their feet. Their heads straining to see what I could easily see…beauty was coming
to me.

There she was, pausing—as to drink in the moment—then taking the arm of her father, she started down the aisle. The young bride kept pace with the music but there was an urgency and purpose in her steps. A slight sideward glance their way, is all she would gamble as she passed each row of smiling family and friends. All her attention…all her focus…was on me.

As we joined hands and spoke vows, basking in the beauty of covenant expressions of commitment…I realized something.

I was staring deeply into the face of love.

Thirty years later and I still am. Her beauty, the way she lights up when she sees me, covers her face with love…and she drives me crazy (in a good way) whenever she looks my way. Thirty years of looking and staring into each other’s face is a long time…and it’s not enough. I sneak peeks of my wife when she sleeps; I try to catch her attention at gatherings and parties, just to see her face…the face of love. I love her face, the gentleness I see there, the absolute grace and beauty I see in her eyes, changes the man I am. I need the way she sees me, the man she sees is much more than I dreamt I could be.

That’s the face of love

Tomorrow June 5th is our 30th anniversary. Our plans for celebration are simple ones but I know I get the best part of the deal…I get to look into that wonderful, sweet and beautiful face of Christine Marie Cookingham.

The face of love is mine

“Whosoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”  Proverbs 18:22

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Comments

jasonS said…
I understand and feel the same way. This was my experience as well and man, I don't ever want to take this love for granted. Congratulations on 30 years. That is tremendous! What a blessing. Thanks for sharing this beautiful tribute, Jay. :)
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Jason! I never want to lose that deep love I share with my bride either bro'!
Dan Black said…
Congratulations on 30 years. I hope you have a great day.  
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Dan, the adventure continues! I love being married!
TCAvey said…
Congrats on 30 years!
What a blessing to us all! 
Phil said…
Jay, this was beautifully written; I ca definitely sense your deep love for her in your writing.  I hope that one day I get to live out this experience in my own life.  Blessings to you both as you celebrate the years gone by and continue the steps of the ones in front of you.
Jay Cookingham said…
Phil, God used my wife to save my life. She saved it from becoming empty and cold...I love her with all my heart. Thanks bro'...shall I pray for that special someone to enter your life?
bill (cycleguy) said…
Well done my friend.  may your day be filled with love. May the rest of your days be filled with love as well. 
Michael Kimball said…
I so enjoyed reading this intimate look into the love you and Christine have shared for the past thirty years, Jay. How inspiring! May the two of you continue reflecting the love of Christ for His church for the next thirty years. Congratulations!
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Michael. God has used my marriage to shape the man I am today.
floyd said…
Awesome tribute to your beautiful wife Jay, you are a blessed man indeed. My guess is that she'd say the same about herself. Happy 30th!


At first I thought it was a picture of Kenny Loggins!
Jay Cookingham said…
Kenny Loggins! Wish I had his talent...I still be at the beach! Thanks Bro'!
Eddy Damas said…
What an awesome couple! Congratulations!

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