Is it possible that practicing gratitude can increase feelings of love? Yes. My broken water heater proved it.
A couple of weeks ago, our water heater broke. My husband fixed it immediately because that's what he does. He fixes the broken stuff.
There was a time when this would not have excited me. Back then, I would have preferred a love sonnet.
When we were first married, my head was chock full of fanciful romantic notions. I had great expectations. They were mostly unfair expectations. I laid great emphasis on things like: cards, flowers, gifts, grand gestures of undying affection.
He showed his love by quietly providing for our needs. And fixing stuff that got broken.
It took me awhile, but eventually I started appreciating his expression of love. I began to realize what a gift it is that he's enabled me to stay home and raise our children--without EVER having to worry about paying the bills.
In fact, he was adamant: "No," he said. "Our children need their mother. I'll do whatever it takes so you can be with them."
And he has. Year after year he has worked hard and without complaint to insure that our family is fed, clothed and safe.
It's been a rare, remarkable gift--this gift of precious time with my children. It's a gift that took me far too long to appreciate.
Because, the truth is, for many years I held onto my stupid, foolish fantasies. I wasn't grateful for my husband--I compared him to other husbands, whined, nagged, manipulated.
Several years ago I stopped all that. I had a good man, a good husband. Sure, he wasn't perfect. But then again, neither was I. I decided to choose a new way.
I chose gratitude.
Now, fixing the broken water heater might not strike you as terribly romantic. But, dude. Something has changed inside of me. I was like: THAT WAS SO HOT! HEY KIDS, GO WATCH TV! MOMMY & DADDY NEED TO TAKE A "NAP"!Yep. Never underestimate the power of gratitude.
p.s. don't forget to join me this Saturday for THE SATURDAY EVENING BLOG POST!
