Some Romance for this Weekend

Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze. 

~Elinor Glyn

I love romantic love. I've always been an idealist and I see romance as sort of a combination of charity and... magic. There is real love and regard, a selfless thoughtfulness that initiates some of the most beautiful parts of life --combining music, prose, nature, and imagination with true affection, attraction, and chaste desire. It can be whimsical or serious; it can be passionate or sweet.

I'm realistic, though. Sometimes life can be over-romanticized and that can lead to damaged relationships (i.e. unrealistic expectations unmet) or not being responsible in one's life. But as long as reality is grounded, I think romance is a wonderful plus!

In fact, I have an entire Pinterest page called "I Heart Romance" that is dedicated to romantic love, and it sits alongside my "Marriage" page. It's just a page where I save beautiful words and photos of what feels romantic to me. It is the antithesis to pornography because there is nothing that victimizes, exploits, embarrasses, humiliates, or takes advantage of a person --there is nothing that couldn't be seen in the presence of God. True romance, to me, means true charity!

In honor of Valentine's Day, here are a few of the things I've saved that, to me, exemplify the beauty of romantic love. I hope your Valentine's Day this weekend can be filled with love --and maybe a little romance. Enjoy!