Day 11

“In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”  Ephesians 5:28

Love cherishes.

It was not hard for me to cherish Rick. 
Even now, I cherish his memory. 
The memories of the love we made, the laughter we shared, and the life we lived. 
He cherished me.
I only need to look at the pictures of us thru the years, see the look on his face as he looked upon me.
To recall the touch of his hand to my face, the way he would gather my face before he kissed me.
Feel again the way he would wrap his arms around me, hold me close to himself, and pray over me. 

It’s a more difficult lesson to learn - to cherish myself.
 
Cherish means:
- to hold dear
- to keep with care
- to harbor in the mind with resolution
- a deep appreciation
- to love, to protect
- to treasure

Anyone who was around Rick and me for longer than one minute knew without question or doubt that we cherished one another. 
I’ve heard from many who did not know him in this life, see our pictures and comment on how much he loved me - because they can see it, even now. 

But how do I cherish myself? 
When thinking about the definition of “cherish”, I must admit, that I have not cherished myself. 
- I left that to Rick. 

Today, I resolve:
To hold myself dear, with care, with kindness. Without negativity. But with appreciation. 
I will protect not only my heart and my body, but my mind as well. 
I will accept me for who I am - a child of God. 
And I will love me too much to leave me as I am this morning. 
I will work to improve me - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. 
I will learn and grow. 
I will keep that teachable spirit within me. 
I will build on the good and cast away that which is not good. 
With patience.
With intention.
With compassion.

Lord, help me. 
I am sorry that I have not cherished me as You do. 
I realize that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. 
And that I am Your workmanship, created for good works in Christ Jesus. 
May that realization become my way of life. 
In Jesus’ Name I pray
Thank You Lord.
I love You. 
And I will love me, because You do.