Valentine’s Day is coming, and in this season when we celebrate romance, it can be easy to lose sight of what true love is really all about. Roses, chocolates, romantic date nights, sentimental cards, and passionate kisses: these are the images continually put forward to symbolize the essence of true love.

But I’d like to challenge you to think bigger. Ever since I tore the ligament in my knee and had to have surgery, my husband, Stewart, has been going above and beyond to demonstrate his love for me. At first, he brought me ice packs to stop the swelling and kept me stocked with pain medication. He laid out clothes for me every night, because I couldn’t fetch them for myself. He helped me get dressed each morning (no easy feat when one of your legs doesn’t bend). He still helps me get in and out of the shower, and even assists with washing my hair.

Since I’m not allowed to put much weight on my right foot, I’ve been largely confined to a recliner. My husband has taken over all the housework, laundry, and dishes. When we go grocery shopping, he drops me off as close to the store entrance as possible, then finds a parking place while I hobble in with my walker and seat myself in a motorized shopping cart. He makes his way with me throughout the store, grabbing the many items that are beyond my reach.

I know he must be growing weary of having to take care of all these things, just as I grow weary of needing to be taken care of, yet he does not complain. He does what must be done, laying down his life for me day by day, as he has so many times throughout our marriage. That’s true love in action. Serving another without complaint, even when that person is incapable of offering much to you in return. Love isn’t glamorous, it’s enduring and faithful.

Stewart, thank you so much for loving me so well.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. I Corinthians 13:4-8a