In the three years that Ben and I have been married, I have developed a pet hate: late nights. I grew up in a home where early rising was a virtue and 8:30p.m was bedtime. Of course there were many times in my teen years and our courtship when I enjoyed staying up late. But after we married and I discovered that Ben did not believe in going to bed by 9, it suddenly became a “big deal.”

I have discovered that my dearly beloved is a true night owl and regular late nights have become a source of irritation. At times I have taken to pleading, “Can't you do that tomorrow?” complaining, “I'm so tired it hurts!” (trying to make him feel guilty) and often resentment begins to eat at me as I realize that this will be yet another late night. I know how awful I will feel in the morning.

Because late nights make personal morning devotions hard, I have felt justified. But today God gently rebuked me by showing me a clearer picture of true love. I was enjoying a late morning quiet time (after yet another midnight-to-bed) when I felt impressed to read 1 Corinthians 13. I almost know it by heart and found myself skimming along till I hit verse 4. “Charity suffers long and is kind.” As I meditated on it, the events and feelings of last night rushed back. As the spirit of God applied the words to my heart I wrote this down,

“Love cheerfully waits and waits without complaining or feeling resentment and still reaches out a loving, helping hand, offering kindly smiles and warm cheer.”

Father, take my heart. You know how much I long to linger in Your embrace while the sun is rising. You have seen the resentment I have harboured. And Lord, I give You this, too. I realize that You understand and You have a better solution. Lord, grant that I might become the loving, understanding wife who cheerfully waits and waits and is still willing to reach out with kindness, to meet his needs, losing sight of my own.

Back to Articles