Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday July 1, 2009

Much has been recently said of a super governor who can hike the Appalachian Trail from South Carolina all the way to Argentina. WOW.

I offer no comment on the scandal though I do wish his wife and children well. Amorous scandals in the political realm are not new and not likely to end in the foreseeable future.

Revisiting the truth of biblical marriage may help to strengthen commitments to moral turpitude in the realm of marriage. Most of the time the troubles such as has dominated the news lately, are the result of clearly identifiable departures from well established procedures designed by God to keep the love light burning between husband and wife.

The love of a man for a woman and vice versa that drives to the altar is well known for its intensity. This intensity was attested to by John Marshall fourth Chief Justice of The Supreme Court of The United States. Justice Marshall had been a heroic officer in the Revolutionary War, so he had heart of a warrior, the kind of heart most likely to get into trouble in matters of the heart. (The oft mentioned David exhibit A). Jean Smith quoted John Marshall's late in life statement concerning his wife of many years:

"I would have had my wife if I had to climb Alleghenys of skulls and swam Atlantics of blood."

He evidently kept the fires burning. This requires attention for as the Pennsylvania Dutch say, "Kissin Don't last Cooken Do" is truer than young lovers may think. It means that more mundane things than the stuff of romance novels must come to a place of importance in daily life. Cooking is not very romantic when it is done day after day for six kids and a grouchy old man. I know I heard a certain "Great Blond" comment along these lines. The grouchy old man must learn to consider the too often thankless tasks performed by the once fiery Scarlett O'Hara of his youth and in his heart rekindle the fire as he sees her in her true glory, often doggedly performing the duty of love. A little appreciation goes a long way, not only to the little woman's heart, but also to his, as he thinks on the sacrifice of her life.

In our time politicians, preachers and even sane men must learn to rephrase the statement of John Marshall to read:

"I will keep the love light shining in my heart for my wife, if I have to climb Alleghenys of skulls and swim Atlantics of blood."

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2009 Use with credit.

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