[Their] love is a many-splendored thing

     Love is a Many Splendored Thing, the title of the popular Hollywood romantic, drama film that hit the box offices in 1955. 

     Crooner Frank Sinatra, along with others, popularized the song of the same name. Just a sampling of the lyrics: 

     "Lost on a high and windy hill, in the morning mist two lovers kissed and the world stood still... 

     Yes, true love's a many splendored thing."   

     What could be more beautiful than two people in love?  

     While travelling this summer, a text message arrived from my lovely, granddaughter Sarah, informing me she had said a strong yes to the proposal of marriage from Tyler Letourneau, her already best friend. 

A year later, Tyler recreates their first date, with a small twist — a marriage proposal.

     

     I wasn't at all surprised to hear the great news, as earlier, Sarah had shared her heart with me — that she was sure she had found the one with whom she wanted to spend the rest of her life. 

     Someone aptly said, "Love is a friendship that has caught fire."

     

     What a great way to begin a life-long relationship! 

        
     The Bible has much wisdom to offer — as God, being love personified, is the author of love. 

     
     The Greek word agape is the highest form of love — love that is defined and driven by self-sacrifice. There is no greater example than the love our Heavenly Father has shown us in Christ. 

     

     I believe God has a joyous and peaceful plan for the human family that He wants to bless with a happy future. But why, since 1980, has the divorce rate doubled? 

     Having lived with my marriage partner for over 55 years, I have been considering what I may have learned. 

     I know I lived in that era, like the elderly couple who was asked how they managed to stay together for 65 years. The woman replied, "We were born in an era where if something was broke, you fixed it... not throw it away." 

     But, how can one be sure that the love one feels for another, will grow and carry them together, through the rest of their lives? 

     This was my dilemma, when as a young lass of 22 years of age, I contemplated moving 4,000 miles from my family and friends to join my life with someone that I barely knew. 
(Visit, Seeds of Love: one woman's story of her life, love and legacy — Blurb bookstore preview, pages 32-34). 

     I now, jokingly say, "I was either crazy, naive, really in love, or all of the above." 

     I like this quote by Lao Tzu — "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." 

     Looking back, I am sure this was what gave me the confidence I needed when I said my strong yes to Nels' marriage proposal. Someone said, "If you're strong enough on the inside, you can handle things on the outside." I believe it. 

     Many today, fail to consider what makes a true, loving relationship. It involves all these great words: trust, loyalty, patience, kindness, and sacrifice (which includes selflessness). 

     

     Selfishness and self-serving attitudes are prevalent everywhere, but have no place in a marriage relationship. Accepting the person for who he or she is — is most important.

      Expecting to change your spouse after marriage — just doesn't work. 

     

     As two become one, true love is often measured by a willingness to sacrifice one's own desires for the good of the other. Wow! What a challenge.  

     The ultimate relationship of course, is being a child of God, through faith in Jesus. Nels and I found that as we grew in our relationship with Him, our love for each other deepened through the years. Sarah and Tyler have already acknowledged this, and are off to a great start. 

     The following, is my blessing that I chose to send Sarah and Tyler on their August 8, 2014 engagement. 

     Wise words from — Tertullian, 3rd. Century A.D.  

     "Beautiful the marriage of two christians who are one in hope, one in faith, one in the way of life they practice. 

They are servants of the same master. 

Nothing divides them... 
They pray and worship together, instruct and strengthen one another... 

Side by side they visit God's church, face difficulties together and comfort one another. 

They have no secrets from one another. They never bring sorrow to each other's hearts. Psalms and hymns they sing, and Christ, He rejoices and gives them peace. 

Where two are... 
He is there, and where He is, evil is not."  

     God will be pleased to bless the marriage of Sarah and Tyler — two of His children that He dearly loves.              

     "The prospective father-in-law asked, "Young man, can you support a family?" The surprised groom-to-be replied, "Well, no, I was just planning to support your daughter. The rest of you will have to fend for yourselves."       

     

     "A real woman can do it all by herself, but a real man wouldn't let her."

— beulah