I Took The LOVE DARE And Almost Burned My Finger Off!

OK - maybe "almost" is a little strong word in this case; but...let me explain:
Teresa and I had gone to see the movie "Fireproof", starring Kirk Cameron. We really enjoyed it. It was on the same level, in our opinion as the movie "Facing the Giants". Fireproof dealt very well with the difficult topics of a marriage in trouble, pornography, and the temptation of adultery. In the midst of it, the gospel of Jesus Christ was clearly presented. In the movie, the character played by Cameron takes a "love dare". Receiving a book from his dad, he takes a challenge, every day for 40 days (from a journal), in order to pursue and "win" his wife back. Divorce seemed probable.

From the popularity of the movie, came the book "Love Dare". As the new year approached, I was praying about what God would want me to concentrate on as far as goals and improvement for 2009. He brought this book to mind. So, beginning January 6th, I undertook the challenge of reading one chapter a day and taking the love dare challenge at the end of each chapter. I also found a few other guys who were willing to do it and help keep each other accountable for doing it. Just knowing that other guys are also doing it is a great encouragement to me.

My hope, of course, is that I will improve as a husband during these 40 days; but that some of the principles will stick with me even when the 40 days are done. I feel we have a pretty good marriage; and yet I desire to be a better husband to Teresa and learn to love her more. I am now half way done, just finishing day 20 yesterday. It is scheduled to end February 14th (yes, on purpose!)

So, back to my "almost" burned off finger: one of the challenges, recently, was to prepare a dinner for my wife at home. Since I don't cook, and she wouldn't let me, even with her supervision, I ordered Chinese, set up a table for 2, with all the settings. This included candles. I don't know why, but I have a fear of fire; and I don't like to be close to it, no matter how small. And when it comes to candles, I ONLY use long lighters, where my hands are several inches away from the flame (and I even avoid that if I can).

But, when I could not find any lighters in the house (did someone hide them?), I put my own body at risk, took out a box of matches, took a match and struck it against the box...
KABOOM! (at least that's what I thought it sounded like). Everyone else would have thought a match was lit, no big deal. I lit the candles quickly (before my fingers burned off) and hailed myself as the most sacrificial loving husband ever...maybe not.

But, I'm trying. I'm taking the love dare and loving it (especially because my wife is as well!)

Take the challenge: I DARE YOU!