Christian Living

---

Pierre And Marian: A Love Story
© 2006

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Pierre, 19 and Marian, 18 had been dating for a little more than two years. Although Marian had agreed to marry him, Marian secretly had second thoughts. Pierre and Marian just didn’t see eye to eye with regards to the managing of money. Marian wanted to earn the money then spend it almost as soon as she earned it. Pierre, on the other hand, wanted to spend some, save some and invest some for the future. Even before he considered marrying Marian, Pierre purchased a hundred acres of land and was thinking about building a log cabin style house on the property and getting several head of cattle, it seemed to Marian, just to roam around the open spaces around Seminole County, Oklahoma.

Marian confided her misgivings to Rita Harjo, her maternal grandmother: “Gram, Pierre is a cowboy, if there ever was one. And I also think he’s a stubborn man too who doesn’t know how to live a little.”

“Oh, really! Now what if he agreed to everything you say or wanted? What would you think of him? Huh? Everybody needs a mind of their own,” Grandma Harjo replied.

“But, Gram, he thinks saving and investing part of what he earns are good investments for the future. He’s so cheap. He won’t even buy a new car. He says that a new car is a waste of money because they lose their value as soon as it leaves the showroom. Who cares if you have a new car! Pierre always says”

“Marian, honey, a person should plan for their future,” said Grandma Harjo.

“But Gram, Pierre is so busy improving his property, reviewing his investments and looking forward to getting his college education that he doesn’t have any time for me,” whined Marian.

“Marian, but don’t you see? He’s doing it all for you. He’s a hard worker, a good man. Just marry him, and love him for who he is. You’ll have your arguments, disagreements and problems just like every married couple has had at one time or another during their married life. Rather than give up when an argument occurs, pray to God for His help and assistance; learn to discuss your disagreement without shouting and accusing him of evil motives; work through them; forgive each other if wronged; and don’t make divorce an option. Although you may want to, never bring up pass offenses because you can’t change what was. Just love him unconditionally and he’ll love you unconditionally as well. You’ll see,” Grandma Harjo said with a big smile on her wrinkled face.

Marian took her grandmother’s advice.

Marian continued to think Pierre was stubborn. And as her grandmother predicted, there were arguments, resolutions, prayers and forgiveness on the part of Pierre and Marian for each other shortcomings and faults. Years following Pierre and Marian’s wedding day, a thought came to Marian: “I wonder if Pierre talked to Gram before we were married.” Marian thought this because Pierre seemed to do the very things Marian’s grandmother had told her before their marriage. Pierre and Marian have been disagreeing, arguing, praying, forgiving and loving each other unconditionally for thirty-five years with no end to their marriage in sight.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE