“It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving”
Mother Theresa
I am a lover of love stories and I recently came across the love story of J.R.R Tolkein, the author of Lord of the Rings and his wife Edith Mary Bratt, and I was very inspired to say the least. There are many striking things that stand this couple out but I will be focusing on his wife’s willingness to marry him in spite of the fact that he was without a job, had little money, and had no prospects except the likelihood of being killed in the Great War (World War I). In fact, records have it that she broke her engagement to George Field two weeks to her wedding so that she could marry a jobless man. It must have been love right?
It is important to note that I agree that money is a necessity and finance is a pressure point in many relationships and marriages. However, getting married to a rich man or lady does not guarantee love or a happy and fulfilling marriage. I assure you Edith’s decision to marry Tolkein was not a love-blinded decision rather it was a decision made with foresight because the same man who was jobless in 1913 became one of the most acclaimed British writers and was listed by Forbes in 2009 to be the 5th top earning dead celebrity. I am certain that persons who have read his works or watched them, would agree with me that he had the mind of a genius. So, his wife was not crazy; the truth is she saw a young man with the mind of a genius who loved her even with the little he had and she was certain that when he had more he would do same. Doesn’t sound so crazy after all, does it?
The proof of love is giving whether you have ten naira or ten million. Please note that this post is not only targeted at the male folk. Giving in relationships should be mutual and not one-sided. The love of God is a perfect example in that regard. The Bible says God gave his one and only son. He had no other yet he gave
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV
Love expresses itself in giving; this does not imply that you have to spend your life savings to buy her gifts but you should give according to your financial ability per time. Ladies, except a man’s priorities change, the way he spends ten naira is the same way he will spend ten million. So, if your penny-pinching fiance constantly tells you that he will become a better giver when has more money, I encourage you not to be deceived. There are men who earn millions but are still very tight-fisted.
There is a thin line between being prudent and being stingy and many men and women cross that line everyday. Every responsible woman will appreciate it if you love her with even the little you have! So, give because love gives!
