Encouragement

---

Larry Lilly's Letter Friday September 9, 2005

How good are you at analyzing problems? How about problematic relationships? Take a look at the following and tell me what you think concerning the current problem and future ones that will absolutely result as fruit of the current one. "Mary woke up earlier than usual and said to her husband: 'I just dreamed that you gave me a diamond ring.' The hubby loving said, 'You will know tonight!' All day long the wife reveled in the thought of just what type of ring the long loved hubby would get for her. Sure enough that evening he came through the entrance, whistling a popular love song, supremely confident that he and the wife of his youth would have a grand evening. Handing her a small package he watched anxiously, much like a child who made a gift for mother. The size of the package did not concern her, as he had on one Christmas given her a watch hidden away in a coat box. Mary, with trembling hands managed, just barely, to keep from ripping the wrapping off. Finally she opened the package and to her surprise found a book, a book titled, 'The Meaning Of Dreams.'"

Before reading further please write down your evaluation of the story, briefly describe the current problem with the husband. Second, describe the problem with the wife. Thirdly, is the husband still alive?

The problems are text book 101’s. The wife engages in unrealistic expectations. The husband has problems or should I say, had problems which are best described in the psychological term, "Too Dumb For Words." He will be missed.

He, with the best of intentions would have given his lovely one a photo of a gorgeous rose for Valentines Day. Or would comment "Honey, you are much prettier than the new young thing at the office, except for…"

A wise husband knows the power of words and so at least attempts to use ones that will endear him to her. And these words, much like 'marriage glue' help to bind the relationship together, for long years on earth. They also have taken the time to learn from older, wiser, bruised men, that when women say something you must look for the romantic undertones and act on these. Even rocket scientists know that diamonds are more romantic than a book about anything.

Concerning the relationship of Christ to His church, Paul used the imagery of a wife who is so loved that she is bound to Christ so much so, that it is said she is of His flesh and of his bones. Inseparable, bonded in heart, soul and body, forever. It would pay any young man to give serious thought before speaking or writing when attempting to simply mimic the romantic words, the encouraging words, the complimentary words of even grandly successful pastors. Consider the following from Dr. Jerry Falwell about his beloved Macel:

"She has been my ever present companion, wife and warden."

I hope Jerry and Macel do not get written up for fraternizing. Wardens are not supposed to be 'companions' with their wards.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2005 Use with credit.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE