Hearts, Ribs, and a Mansion.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Although I have never claimed to big a huge celebrator of Valentines Day, today has already proven to be a GREAT holiday. I woke up early this morning to take Simon out, and saw something on my windshield! At first, in the dark of the early morning, I thought trash had blown on my car! As I walked closer, I saw that it was a dozen red roses underneath my windshield wipers and a gift bag with the sweetest card (seriously, Shane, where do you always find these great cards!?) and a BEAUTIFUL bracelet I have been wanting! I was quite surprised and full of those giddy, in-love feelings, even at 6 a.m. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, when you know, you know. 

I saw something online the other day about all the things a woman is. How they are strong but caring, persistent, nurturing, fighters, friends, and supporters. Truthfully, I didn’t read very much of those parts because one line grabbed my attention so strongly. 

Woman was made from man’s rib so he can guard her heart. 

Think about that for a minute. Think about the role of your ribcage… it covers your heart! Your ribs protect the heart beneath them, not because they are better or have a more important job, or even call the shots in any way. A heart knows it is safe beneath the ribs because they have proven their strength against outside danger. Without the ribs, a heart is exposed, vulnerable, susceptible to harm. 

We know that God spoke to his people in examples and metaphors they could easily understand. My favorite of these is in John 14:2- In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

At the time this was written, if a young man wanted to marry a woman, he settled a dowry with her father and then he went away. He built an addition onto his father’s house that he thought would be suitable for his betrothed. When finished, her father would come and approve that it was good enough for his daughter. Meanwhile, the girl had no idea when her betrothed would come back for her. So she would keep a candle in her window so that he would know where she was and that she was anxiously awaiting him. When the addition was finished being built, the young man and all other young men in the town would run up to her house in the middle of the night with music and dancing and loud cymbals! They were announcing his arrival and she would finally be with her love after so much time of wondering. 

When Jesus said this to his people, he knew it was a language that they would understand. “I am going to prepare a place for you.” The groom is anxiously waiting to bring his bride to the mansion He has built for her. And when He does come back for her, it will be a loud homecoming! 

1 Thessalonians 4:16- For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.

This is why I love the saying I heard so much. Yes, woman is strong, can endure tremendous pain, can fight for what she wants and still have the touch to sooth and comfort. But we need protection. We need someone with strength and armor when we just can’t fight anymore. That is why Eve was created from Adams ribs… not only is she a part of him, she needs him, too. Her heart needs the comfort of his ribs. 

Someone I trust very much once told me, “Don’t look for the cracks in his armor. Look for someone who will guard and protect your heart.” 

Men aren’t perfect, and I sure am glad they don’t expect women to be, either. But what I know for sure- when you find a man who does everything in his power to look out for you, protect you from harm, and love you like you have never been loved before- you found a man for life. Because a heart would never leave the comfort of the ribs protecting it, and the ribs would never do anything to leave their sacred post.

This is what true love is. God, as always, nailed it right on the head.