There are three things that amaze me—
no, four things that I don’t understand:
how an eagle glides through the sky,
how a snake slithers on a rock,
how a ship navigates the ocean,
how a man loves a woman.
Each of these is a fascinating study in motion and direction. Each of these moves with subtlety and grace that you could watch forever. The eagle soars with effortless power and majesty; the serpent glides with entrancing mystery, the ship makes its way masterfully against winds, waves and currents. But the crowning picture is the mystique of a man and woman in love.
In the fertile imagination of the medieval scholars these four images created a portrait of the church -- like an eagle soaring in faith, stalked by serpent and tempted, like a ship tossed by storm, but preserved by the love of Jesus for his Bride.
Perhaps just as fancifully I have used this as a wedding sermon text. I have urged couples to ride the updrafts of God’s love in their marriage. I’ve urged them to beware the beguiling fantasies that will glide silently into their lives, the cunning sense of entitlement that indulges in dishonesty and leads to competing instead of supporting. Getting married, I've told them, is like launching your ship into uncharted waters.
To successfully navigate life’s challenges, you need to learn the ways of the sea, the currents of love, the winds of discouragement, so you can make progress in spite of storms that will blow in against you.
Above all, I tell them, do not underestimate the wonderful baffling complexity, even incomprehensibility, of the person you are marrying. Love never stands still, I tell them. It's always a work in progress and needs constant attention. Wise couples will find marriage mentors, will learn patiently how to hoist and trim their sails, pay attention to the rudder and keep their eyes fixed on the horizon.
Above all, I tell them, do not underestimate the wonderful baffling complexity, even incomprehensibility, of the person you are marrying. Love never stands still, I tell them. It's always a work in progress and needs constant attention. Wise couples will find marriage mentors, will learn patiently how to hoist and trim their sails, pay attention to the rudder and keep their eyes fixed on the horizon.
Photo Sources:
Eagle - Dick DoBoever
Couple - Scribbles
Snake - DuPageForest
Sailboat - Erik van dem Ham
This is too heart wrenching.
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