Lay It on Me

24 / L AY I T ON M E

Then there are the romancers. I learned years ago, before Pam and I were married, the difference between dating and romancing. Anyone can go on a date, but romance is a different story. Most men go on a date to get a kiss from the woman. A romancer takes her out and spoils her with flowers, cards, words of affection and attention. He opens door for her, sits in a candle-lit restaurant and holds her hand. Kissing is an act of the flesh, but romance is a thing of the heart. When I courted my wife, I wanted to be near her just to hear her speak with the soft, southern, Alabama accent. Looking into her soft, green eyes and holding her hand was a thrill. Having her sitting next to me was the joy of my day. Before we were married, I often drove 10 hours one way, just to spend an entire day in the presence of this unique woman. Men who love God will go out of their way to find a Ruth. If you are courting Him for His blessings, then you are just "dating God." When you are "romancing your Lover," then you hear an intimate song pouring from your spirit in praise to Him. You will run to your room and open His love letter, the Bible. When you play gospel music, a praise is birthed in your heart. If He never gave me another blessing, I would love just to feel His presence. Take my earthly possessions but don't take His presence. When Orpah, the dater, kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, she bade farewell to her destiny. At the same moment, Ruth the romancer grabbed Naomi's garment and clung to her side, saying: Wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will