The Greatest of These — Part 5: Letting Go to Hold On
The Greatest of These — Part 5: Letting Go to Hold On
The Florida sun was dipping low over Wesley Chapel, painting the living room in gold as Diane set her purse on the counter with a little more force than she intended. Her husband, Charles, didn’t look up from his laptop. The silence between them felt heavier than the humid evening air — not because of what was said, but because of what was remembered.
1 Corinthians 13:5 reminds us: love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Marriage pulls at this truth daily. Who apologized last? Who forgot the anniversary? Who didn’t notice when you needed support? The temptation to keep score is real. But keeping score doesn’t bring couples closer; it slowly pushes them apart. Grace changes the equation. Grace doesn’t ignore hurts, but it refuses to weaponize them. It clears the ledger so connection can grow.
Diane had been keeping mental tallies for months. Every late night at the office, every half-hearted response, every time Charles left the dishes undone. She never spoke them out loud, but she stacked them high in her heart.
Charles, for his part, had his own ledger. He quietly noted the sighs, the cold shoulders, the missed texts when she was out with friends.
One evening, while watching a film where a couple hurled old grievances back and forth, Diane muted the TV. “That’s us, isn’t it?” she said quietly.
Charles closed his laptop and walked into the kitchen. “I don’t want to keep track anymore,” he said. “I just want us.”
Tears welled in Diane’s eyes — not from hurt this time, but from release. They didn’t solve every issue in that moment, but they made a decision: keeping score was costing them more than grace ever would.
A few nights later, sitting together on the porch after dinner, Charles said, “We’ve been married four years. What if we celebrated with a vow renewal? A way to remind ourselves and everyone else that we’re choosing grace, not ledgers.” Diane smiled, realizing the records she’d been carrying could finally be replaced with gratitude.
If this resonates with you, you might also enjoy my earlier post,
Fighting Fair: Conflict, Commitment, and the Dance of Love, which dives deeper into how couples can navigate disagreements without letting them define the relationship. That post also links to another article,
Love Is a Verb, giving you even more tools to build a love that lasts.
Marriage isn’t about perfect memory; it’s about perfecting forgiveness. One way couples are reclaiming that space is through annual vow renewals. Not just a milestone at ten or twenty years, but a rhythm that says, “I still choose you.” It’s a chance to release the record of wrongs and recommit to grace.
As a wedding officiant in Zephyrhills and the greater Tampa Bay area, I’ve seen how couples thrive when they anchor their vows in grace instead of scorekeeping. Whether in a quiet Sign-and-Go ceremony or a sunset wedding on the Gulf, the words take on deeper meaning when they flow from love that forgives and remembers with gratitude.
💍 If you’re ready to start your forever — or renew it with intentional grace — let’s talk. Call me at 813-239-4117 or visit Notary Near Me Florida to schedule your wedding or vow renewal.
Because sometimes the best way to hold on is to let go — and in doing so, you’ll discover Joy for a Lifetime.
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When it comes to notarization and officiating services in Florida, Notary Near Me Florida goes beyond the basics to offer convenience, customization, and care:
- Mobile Notary & Wedding Officiant Services
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Ideal for out-of-state clients or those who are homebound, offering secure and accessible notarization from anywhere. - Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing
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Personalized vows, unity rituals, and ceremony planning to make your day unforgettable. - Experienced & Compassionate Service
Reliable, client-focused, and always delivered with a warm, professional touch.
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Our Sister Services
Alongside Notary Near Me Florida, we also serve couples through Joy for a Lifetime, our faith-based wedding officiant service, and inspire audiences through A Joyful Voice, providing heartfelt voiceovers for weddings, affirmations, and other special occasions.
