I was talking with someone recently about marriage, and he mentioned how scary it is to think of being with one person for the rest of your life. While I do agree that this can be intimidating, it all depends how you look at it…literally!
Claude Monet is a famous artist who is known for his paintings of water lilies in his Giverny water gardens. He planted the water lilies, because he loved gardening and plants. But once Monet began painting the lilies, they became his favorite subject matter for over 20 years. How could he continue to paint the same thing for 20 years? Perspective. He painted them in different seasons, in different lighting, close up and at a distance. Monet loved the intricate detail in them as well as their ability to stand on their own. He was able to enjoy them from different perspectives, keeping his love of the water lily fresh and new.
I encourage couples whom I counsel to keep changing their perspective of their partner. They may enjoy the up close perspective and the rush of emotions they feel during new love. Perspective changes with the miraculous joy of children, the great successes of employment, the extraordinary strength during illness, and aging gracefully together. Life causes natural changes in perspective, but you can initiate that change as well. Marriage does not need to be boring or dull. And if it is feeling that way, change perspectives, not people. Take up a new hobby together, schedule regular date nights, make a list of the things that caused you to fall in love in the first place. Marriage is not easy, but it is good.
Song of Songs 5:13 NIV “His cheeks are like beds of spice yielding perfume. His lips are like lilies dripping with myrrh.”
Song of Songs 6:3 NIV “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine; he browses among the lilies.”
Luke 12:27-28 NLT “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”
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