Begin with the Prayer of Abandonment.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux said that there are four levels of love:  Love of self for self’s sake. Love of God and others for self’s sake. Love of God and others for their own sake. And love of self for God’s sake.

When we get stuck in Level 2, pride is often at the root of it. We spend a lot of time trying to “fix” people. You know, to tweak God’s “masterpiece” just a bit. If we want to grow in perfect love, we need to resist this, and to move toward that third level, when we love others (and love God) just as they are, for their own sake — even if they never change at all.

Today’s Challenge:  Choose one area you are constantly trying to improve in your mate, and find a lighthearted way to let it go. How about a card on his pillow?  “Bearer of this card is entitled to wear outfit of his choosing for one day, regardless of condition, color, or style.” Or “This coupon entitles you to one car ride without a running commentary on your driving skills.” Or maybe, “This card entitles you to spend this Saturday (date) any way you like.”

Today’s Prayer:  Jesus, perfect the love I have for my husband. Not for his sake, or for my own, but for love of You.