Expressing commitment

On Sunday I met with a couple engaged to be married to talk about "love." Basically we learned that love is triangle with 3 sides: passion, intimacy, and commitment. I asked them how people might go about cultivating each in their relationship. What practical things can be done, for example, that would fuel the fires of passion? What could be done to deepen intimacy? What strengthens commitment? The common demonimator for each is communication. Without communication there is no relationship. Two strangers on a bus riding side by side in the same seat don't have a relationship unless they would begin chatting. Relationships begin with communication. What if one stranger put his arm around the other stranger? There would be communication. Or what if the other moved closer to the window trying to get away from the other person? Communication happens without words.

Physical touch communicates a desire to be close and fuels passion.
Words chosen and used well communicate a desire for greater intimacy
Simply speaking face to face with the other expresses commitment. There is no commitment without communication: agruments, complaining, sharing stories, etc. The simple act of communication reveals the heart felt commitment to the relationship. If we or the other person fails to communicate or have no desire to talk to our partner, lover, spouse, significant other, we have to wonder about our commitment to the relationship.

God speaks because he is committed to the creation. Period. He communicates to establish a relationship (intimacy), express love and concern (passion), AND to reveal His ultimate commitment to the creation.

May you hear God's voice today, and share your voice and input with those you love.