LOVE!

Far too many love connections fall apart because of lack of activity. Far too many relationships fade to black because romance gets filed away once two people have committed to each other at the alter.

The romantic habits that a couple practice initially, sometimes get lost as both partners get used to each other. Maybe he no longer holds the door for you; maybe you dont say "thank you" as often. Maybe you've stopped dating; setting time aside to reconnect romantically and emotionally. The fact is, those rituals you performed early in the courtship period are fundamental to your connection. They solidify the bond, giving both partners a familiar place to reengage and renew their commitment. This releases a fresh surge of power into the relationship.

Never take your relationship for granted. I think of a certain queen, Vashti in the book of Esther, who rested on her laurels and lost her crown. Her husband had been celebrating the expansion of his territories. The man had partied for six months when he remembered his beautiful wife and called her to come, dressed in her finery for all his guests to see. She was in the midst of throwing her own party and refused.

Vashti would never have refused her husband's request at the beginning of their marriage, when she was still eager to please. What then is the lesson? Never assume that you cannot be replaced.

I don't think this was Vashti's first time upsetting the king. He rolled over too easily on the recommendation to have her removed from her throne. If she had been working her magic on him, I don't think he would have been more prone to forgive her.

Just because you have commited to each other does not guarantee the relationship will last if you and your partner don't work at maintaining a flow of love. Love is not sustained by chemistry; it is maintained by things like romantic or endearing rtuals- the behaviours that characterised the way you treated each other when you were still trying to win each other's love.

It is those "little" things that establish strong connections and keep love grounded.