More than a box of chocolates and a dozen roses….
We know the fairytale all too well. We have been taught the
things to look for, and until that prince charming comes to sweep you and me
off our feet, we wait patiently.
Oh wait, maybe not. Dare I say, perhaps, we may have been
going about this “relationship” thing entirely wrong? Granted, social media isn’t
doing us any favors in this department. Each and every day, Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter privilege us to witness perks of these seemingly “cookie
cutter” relationships. It looks good.
It looks fun. It seems romantic. And I’m not saying it isn’t. There’s
nothing wrong with the sweet parts of a relationship. However, it becomes a
problem when that is the goal of a
relationship. Furthermore, it becomes a problem when these pictures create an expectation in a relationship.
When it comes down to it, a relationship is a partnership.
It’s so easy to get caught in the Disney trap of expecting instant love through
locked eyes, or joy from frivolous gifts. In reality, a healthy relationship is
a blessing from God meant to encourage and strengthen you daily.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each
other succeed. 10 If one person
falls, the other can reach out and help. Ecclesiastes
4:9-10
Furthermore, relationships
are meant to be a reflection of Christ’s great love for us. In a partnership,
many characteristics that Jesus exemplified are the glue that holds a couple
together.
Love is patient,
love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does
not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take
into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices
with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things. Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they
will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is
knowledge, it will be done away. 1
Corinthians 13:4-8
As the scripture displays, love is about so much more than a box of chocolates and a dozen roses. In fact, I’m
pretty sure it wasn't mentioned in there ;). Unlike social media, Disney, and
other sources, the Bible sets the stage for a true, uplifting relationship.
When we begin to grasp the meaning of Christ’s love, we are more capable of
understanding the purpose and beauty of a human relationship.
I encourage you to remind yourself of what a relationship truly entails
the next time you come across a seemingly ideal “love” trap. Each and every
relationship we have, intimate or not, is a blessing. Instead of drooling over
what you “could have,” try to cherish and learn from your relationships. After
all, the greatest love any man could ever have has already been given.
For as high as the heavens are above the
earth, so great
is his love for those who fear him Psalm 103:11
For God so loved the world that he gave
His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have
everlasting life. John 3:16
Until
next time,
-Tamara
Very well said, Tamara. I literally laughed out loud when I saw the woman holding her "comfort" food while screaming at the one that earlier, was her "comfort". I totally agree, the images that brainwash us from childhood, over and over, mold the concept of how we are to look and that special someone we seek to fulfill us. "You complete me." As cute as that sounds, it is all too real. In my own life I played out the "Cinderella" role as well and didn't realize I was. Then I found my identity, in Christ. I am a princess, I am the daughter of the the King! He "completes" me.
ReplyDeleteI have to say too though that we live relationally, and someone that we choose to have a deeper relationship with, must also have their identity in Christ. Evenly yoked. Then we have the freedom in a relationship to bless and be blessed.
As far as the fairytale princess goes, I can mostly identify more with Fiona from Shrek. : )
Love the things you added, I totally agree! Thanks for the input :)
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