Love is a Choice

 Steve and I have been married 21 years today!  Of course I was only nine when we got married.  Still it makes me feel old.  Steve sent me a bouquet of chocolate covered strawberries which caused quite a buzz at the library.  I on the other hand sent Steve a Hallmark e-card (the free kind).  I felt quite good about myself until the delivery guy showed up at the teen desk with my edible anniversary present.  Some of my guilt was relieved by sharing with Steve and the kids.  Everyone agreed that it was a real treat.  Earlier today one of my younger friends ( I think I'm the oldest person that I know) asked what the secret of a 21 year marriage is.  My response: Love is a choice.  No one can possibly feel love for another person 24/7.  Sometimes we feel angry or disappointed and we wonder where that warm, I want to be with you all the time feeling, has gone.  At these times we choose to love the other person.  We choose to honor our commitment by remembering why we love that person.  I think about how Steve cares about my happiness or about how much he loves our children.  I may still be angry but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that feelings change but love doesn't.  Love is a choice.  Luckily there are many reasons why I choose to love Steve.  I am lucky and I admit it.  Until next time, Traci