Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday February 14, 2007

I am known far and wide as a rebel of sorts, especially among those frozen chosen who "Do not believe in romantic love." I suppose their children are totally the result of animal attraction, or perhaps the stork really does come to some homes. I agree with the statement made by several modern marriage counselors, Christian, or otherwise who state the best thing a father can do for his children is to truly love their mother.

The above confession to my pagan belief in romantic love does cause many of my peers to cringe, though they would never sweat, you have to have blood to sweat. What drives them right up the wall is my assertion that Joyce and I fell in love at first sight over 46 years ago this coming spring. It's been springtime in our hearts ever since. Well, okay there have been a few spring snow storms, but like all spring snow storms they didn't amount to much in the long run. Our very first meeting was along lines of one of Shakespeare’s lines:

"When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew."

I am now preparing for the machine gun like responses from irate cold blooded holy humans to rebuke me for setting such a poor example for the children of today's passionless sanctified homes. At least Haggard's preacher friends claimed a steamy married life. (See Nancy Pelosi's daughters documentary on the Evangelicals in our midst).

Yet the poppycock of romance being a somewhat modern invention is just that, poppycock. Good Christian men and women have loved each other from time immemorial.

Do you recall the story of Jacob and Rachel? This was a just one look was all it took love story. To say the love they had for each other was not real is to kid yourself. This is not to say that their life was trouble free. Far from it, but true love according to Paul endures all things, and the love of Jacob and Rachel sure had some 'all things' to endure. Yet Jacob found strength in the love and companionship of Rachel as will any person who truly loves. The oft used verse about the powerful quality of Jacob's love is this one in Genesis 29:20:

"And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her."

When married life becomes like a millstone around your neck you might try falling in love all over again with your mate. Years ago Joyce and I discovered a little note that we kick back and forth to each other: "I love you more than yesterday; I love you less than tomorrow."

Hey it works for us because true love for Jesus and your mate grows.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2007 Use with credit.

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