"I don't think its so much that we are failing at spreading the Gospel- I think its that Christians are failing to be Christians. Its the quality vs quantity conundrum. Are those who are already Christians carrying their crosses…"
Love and marriage/relationships.
Hi all,
I'm wondering what your thoughts are regarding love in marriage (or relationships in general). Are you looking for "the one", for some ideal?
I have also seen the movie, The Wedding Planner, with J.Lo. It's a terrible movie, but there's a line in there that stuck with me. J.Lo's father (in the movie) said he married her mother in an arranged marriage and the two didn't like each other for they were in love with someone else each. But slowly, he developed an appreciate for her taking care of him when he was sick, that appreciation turned to respect, that respect turned to like, and that like turned to love so deep that he never thought possible.
What are your thoughts on this, especially to guys out here who are married? Did you marry your wives on the fairy tale-like love, a type of love from the movie above, or some other type?
Eugene
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rockeman on -
I was taught that love is not the same as infactuation. I was taught is something you decide to give to another person. So, I am married 17 years to one person, the only person I ever dated. I was also taught that love is like a canopy held by four poles staked into the ground. Each person must bring the two poles of respect and trust over which love is draped. Without these two love will not be able to stand over the two. These principles shaped a lot of how I approached my choice in marriage and even my on-going approach to sustaining it. It may seem less "romantic," but it has been what has worked for us.
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Permalink Reply by Rob on -
I agree with what Rockeman wrote. And congratulations for your 17 years; may you enjoy many more together.
++Are you looking for "the one", for some ideal?
That sounds like a dangerous idea. It's not because of some special, magical quality that some "one" possesses. If that were so, then the "relationship" is doomed, because people change. And that belief does, indeed, doom a lot of marriages. One person says "You've changed. I've changed. It's time to move on". Then the ugly divorce and the kids are all messed up.
"Relationship" is a noun by the rules of grammar, but it's not something real. You can not put a "relationship" into a basket. Relate is a verb. It's something you need to do, and if the "relationship" isn't working out, that means you haven't been doing it. The primary components of the action of relating are talking (preferably amicably) and taking care of each other. I'm sure there are a lot of other actions you can do as well, to relate and relate well.
You need to appreciate your spouse for her highest potential of this very moment, rather than rueing what she is or isn't, or what she used to be, but isn't anymore. You need to be receptive to her value as it may be in this moment, accept that it might change, but remain receptive to the new values that she can grow into as she continues developing a a person.
And help her do the same for you.
Passion by the way is not a bad thing. Enjoy it while you can, and rekindle it on a regular basis. You won't find an ideal in a person, but you can find it in your own values and behaviors. Keep the honeymoon going forever. ;-{)
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Permalink Reply by Gard on -
Similar to relate and relationship - quit looking for love and start loving already. Love is not a possession, your wife is not a possession, everyone are really free individuals. What makes the relating work is to actively love each other. Practice Dāna.
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Permalink Reply by Rick Shelton on -
You're right, love is not a possession it is something you choose to give but the more you give the more you have.
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Permalink Reply by Rick Shelton on
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At first it was the 'honeymoon'. Once that is over each day you make the choice, the decision if you will that you love your spouse. Somedays that is the only 'love' you feel.
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Permalink Reply by Davis on -
Almost 43 years ago, my wife and I not only committed our lives to each other but we also committed to the marriage. For we knew in advance that we would fail one another in many ways over the years and that love is a choice not a feeling. Being committed to the marriage means that we knew that marriage is a sacred trust in which the two of us are bound together.The crux of it all is that selfishness can't hang around long if deepening the relationship is expected.
No, we didn't have a media wedding or a storybook wedding and life together where we all have lived happily ever after. I will insert my poem that I wrote long ago regarding long term relationships. Oh, by the way, my wife and I have a spiritual life together that makes it all work.
Davis
Now, the poem:
“Love's Long-Lasting Look for Today”Slick covers say youthful looks
And sleek bodies are to be worshipedIn fleeting moments ofSage less, ever-severingMeeting of the sexes.All are tempted to buy stockIn glossy, commercial fictionYielding no dividend,No deposit, no returnReality of dead ends.Look around with eyes madeTo see beyond what is seenTo find love springing upFrom years of plowing, planting,Harvesting the fruit from lives clinging to REALITY.So many years are such a short time.No time wasted on tomorrowOr yesterdayWhen all you have is today—Now-Time is time to lavish love.Love’s beauty never fades,For when it was first seen,It was seen—Beautiful--Ageless beauty,Ever-present Loveliness.“Friend and Companion,Wealth untold is heapedUpon this union when there isNone to lend orTo spend.”Time is with these Dear OnesFor they have loved moreToday than YesterdayAnd Todays always buildBetter Tomorrows.©2/27/1985
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