Craig’s Corner
February 2012
I just got done reading a book about a Jewish Rabbi and a Protestant Minister called have a little faith (lower case on purpose) written by Mitch Albom and if that name sounds familiar it should. He was the same guy who wrote Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven. I don’t always like reading books written to tug at your heart strings. Often they are coy or trite. But this book kept calling me. Seriously. I saw it while looking for a book on the Bible at Barnes and Noble in River Park and I picked it up. I don’t know why. I guess the title intrigued me. “Have a little faith.” I could use some of that now and then. So I began reading it. Right there in the store. And I can’t help but wonder what will happen if book stores no longer exist? If everything goes digital, would this have even come across my horizon? I am all the more blessed because of book stores.
So I started reading. And put it down. And picked it back up again. I did that over and over for about an hour until I finally said to myself (and maybe to God), “Okay, if I’m picking it up that many times, I should probably buy it.” And I did. The stories in that book made me think about the Bible in new and different ways and challenged me to think about my own faith. I am far from being a universalist or from being an “all roads lead to the same thing” kind of person, but I did see how God works in all of us and how when we are open to Him, amazing things can happen.
Anyway, Mitch (because we are on a first name basis now – just don’t tell him that) wrote some great stuff about marriage and love and with Valentine’s Day coming up, I thought I would share what he wrote. He was asking his rabbi about marriages that survive and the rabbi tells him that a marriage based on similar beliefs and similar values stands a good chance and Mitch asks, “What about love?” The rabbi answers, “Love they should always have. But love changes… Love – the infatuation kind – ‘he’s so handsome, she’s so beautiful’ – that can shrivel. As soon as something goes wrong, that kind of love can fly out the window. On the other hand, a true love can enrich itself. It gets tested and grows stronger. Like in Fiddler on the Roof… When Teyve sings ‘Do You Love Me?’ When she (his wife) says, ‘How can you ask if I love you? Look at all I’ve done with you. What else would you call it?’ That kind of love – the kind you realize you already have by the life you’ve created together – that’s the kind that lasts.”
Personally, I’m a sap for romantic movies. I can quote nearly all of When Harry Met Sally and my all-time favorite is The Princess Bride. “Twue Wuv.” But marriage is more than the happily ever after. It entails work, compromise, endurance, respect, and lots of other key ingredients to go along with that love that is the basis of every marriage. I think that’s why we hear in 1 Corinthians 13 from Paul his long list of “love” attributes – love is patient, love is kind, it does not boast, it is not proud, it does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs – and realize that nowhere does it say “love has a shapely body” or “love is all about butterflies in your stomach all the time.” Paul doesn’t write that “love is perfect every day” or “love knows no argument.” No. He doesn’t write, “Love is being swept off your feet every day of your existence.” I like what the rabbi said. The kind of love that lasts is the kind you realize you already have by the life you’ve created together. That is true not just with spouses or significant others but with families, between siblings, with your favorite pet. Love is the life you build TOGETHER so build the very best one you can. It won’t be perfect because none of us are perfect, but it will be our own.
Peace and Blessings,
Craig
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