At the mid-point of my ride this morning I stopped for a cup of coffee at River’s End Cafe (in Seal Beach). I sat down next to an older man and a middle-aged woman who were deep in conversation. Lacking both books and newspaper, I couldn’t help but overhearing bits of their conversation.
It turned out to be a man and his daughter. He was retired and she was a lawyer. The subject of their conversation? His upcoming divorce from her mother. The daughter was giving him legal advice and discussing the process with him in a rather no-nonsense matter. Money, property, laws, investments etc. The process of dividing goods. It was a rather depressing conversation to overhear.
Divorce is so ugly. It is a strange thing for me to consider, having just attended my tenth wedding of the last two years. From this vantage point it is difficult to consider any of these marriages ending badly, but statistically I’m told that several will. This should be enough to send me to my knees to pray ceaselessly for unity, respect, and faithfulness in our communities.
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
I’m just as mystified as Paul is, probably more, about what exactly marriage is … but I’m fairly certain that it’s a serious thing. Heck. It’s an image of Christ and the church. How crazy is that?
On a related note … I’m so grateful to have the opportunity (which I’m noticing is quite rare) to watch my parents celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary next year.
R
To say I’m greatful is an understatement, I’m tickled pink!
That last comment was from me( DAD) not sueuc