We had an odd Hodge-podge of attendees at house church the other night. The strangest thing was the realization that the single people out-numbered the marrieds. We had 5 single adults, two married couples, and one woman attending without her husband. And a partridge in a pear tree.
It struck me as very sad, this realization. Isn't the divorce rate over 50% at this point? It's so wrong.
Most of the singles in the room are well adjusted complete sort of folk, who do not appear to be jonesing for a romance. They are pleasant people to be with. But here's the thing. God set up marriage to display a particular something to the world about Himself, and His love for His people.
Where is that display?
The main point seems to be that God's love for His people is rare, if it happens at all. It is entirely conditional upon reconciling differences. And those that pull it together seem to envy those of us who do not have to struggle through the burden of marriage. What is so great about celibacy? (I wryly refer to myself as a "nun," spelled n-o-n-e)
But that wasn't God's point in setting up the relationship. He was going for an entirely different picture. One of Servant leadership, unconditional love, unbroken bonds, and mutual submission. Where is that model?
My Grandparents spring to mind immediately.
I have, in my mind's eye, a memory of them that always brings a smile to my face. I think it's a lovely picture of Christ's love for His church.
Granny had been sick with a dreadful cold. She shuffled out to the kitchen, where Grandpa was minding the tea kettle.
Granny was in her robe and slippers, with her hair disheveled. She had her chin down on her chest as if watching her feet shuffle along. Without looking up, she made her way over to grandpa, and didn't stop until her head rested on his chest.
"Donald," she moaned, "I don't feel good."
Grandpa wrapped his arms about her and chuckled.
"I know, Ruthie. I know."
She was like a little girl in that moment, and she went straight to him for comfort. She didn't need to look up, because the path was so familiar, and his arms went around her right away. There was, in that moment, so much love, and so much understanding, and so much intimacy.
I think that must be what God had in mind.
9 comments:
My favorite memory of Granny and Grandpa is when I walked in on them once in the dining room having breakfast (Granny wanted a fancy breakfast) and heard Granny say, "Kiss me quick Donald before I die!" and he leaned over and kissed her on the mouth. It was wonderful.
Leave it to man and culture to badly damage a Godly model/witness. And I have long marvelled at how my married friends, some for 30 years, are not exactly wishing their spouse dead - but they talk quite a bit of how they wish they had their "freedom". Of course, from what/for what is the instant question, but I think I will pass on that one and not encourage their fantacies.
Next time I'm sick I'm going to granny's house!
kara
I think God had it right to start with.
Man and Woman are meant for one another. The gift of celibacy is to be honored, but not above marriage. It is the image of Christ and His Bride.
A beatiful and worthy image in your story.
Gift? Celibacy is a gift? I gotta find that receipt....
LOL, Kelly. The receipt...
I just want to go on the record of saying that I adore my husband.
But I know what you're saying about marriage being a lost art... the demonstration of God's love... it makes me so sad.
I just realized I didn't answer your email the other day. Bad friend. I'll jump on that tonight.
Love you.
A beautiful picture. I miss my grandparents. They had that kind of love.
I am with Cathy. I want to go on record that I adore my husband. I even dedicated my blog to him as it is his birthday today. Love the story about your grandparents.
Nice new template.
Cheers.
My Grandparents did too. And my parents did, for that matter.
What has changed in the last 30 - 40 years that this is so rare now?
"When the Son of Man returns will He find faith in the earth?" Mybe that's what has changed.
Receipt! ;>)
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