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| Links to 26/31 & the 31 Vibrant Things Launch Post |
Look closely: those two figures are forever young, kids really. Appropriate considering that regardless of age, we do this wonderous life once, forever novices to new experience—starting somewhere, facing unknowns, stumbling along, learning our way.
Notice they're not smiling. We humans default to fun, seeking sugar and satisfaction, but like the saying, easy come, easy go; we build a stronger relationship if it's based on more than fun. Life behooves seriousness too.
Notice they're leaning on each other but looking different directions? Love means learning to support, rely on, and trust each other...knowing we are not alone helps us cope with struggles...but we are also individuals who bring unique strengths and that helps us be a team, to thrive more than just manage. She lifts me up and I coax her down from the clouds.
Notice the flowers? Whatever circumstances we encounter, both desirous and dreadful, if we pay attention, we both know there's always something beautiful (humorous, positive, educational....) in the delightful design of things.
Notice they're clay? We're unfinished. We—our relationship—must adapt, evolve, must "go back 3 spaces," "take a trip to Reading Railroad," or "advance to go and collect $200." Life will make us and mold us and remake us again and those are the costs of personal growth (and Monopoly).
Appreciation for our differences, and respect for them -- these are so important, so necessary! It sounds like you're an aficionado of both, so you are both very fortunate in each other. -Kate
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kate. Yes, your comment reminds me of a short poem I love: ""Lean on me," he said, loving her weakness and she leaned hard adoring his strength
DeleteLike two slant trees they grew together their roots the wrong way for standing alone." Fred Cogswell
We are stronger thanks to respecting our differences.
I say as a guy who tends to just see the overall, general picture that your ability to notice the details is impressive.
ReplyDeleteAnd to then draw meaning from them.
DeleteThank you. My entire modus operandi is to pay attention...and when I do everything means more. You know, sort of like I'm a camera: shout out to the way you approach life similarly, imo.
Delete...58 years ago my Sweetie and I were married. I was going to college and we had barely two nickels to rub together. Our first Christmas tree cost $1.50 and we bought an ornament of a couple holding hands and we have display it proudly on our Christmas tree ever since. Which costs a bit more than $1.50!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great memory and story and special reminder, sir. 58 years! Fantastic.
DeleteWhat a lovely, thoughtful gift, and a great analogy for marriage.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It's meaningful.
DeleteI hope this doesn't come across as creepy, but it's so nice to read something written by a man that isn't superficial. You and your wife are lucky to have each other.
ReplyDeleteWe are lucky, but I think you're giving me too much credit. Thank you, though.
DeleteA wonderful analogy.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteNot that you asked, but I was always the horse. My brother liked the race car. No offense, but with gas prices what they are these days, I think I made the smarter choice.
ReplyDeleteHa, you sure did.
DeleteThat's a fine little sculpture and good lessons from it. The thing that says it to me is a quote from Wellington, he of the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo. He was asked what he did if an effort of his looked to fail. He answered that he 'tied a knot and went on'. That, for me, is the ultimate in quiet courage.
ReplyDeleteWow, great quote...would make a terrific tattoo.
DeleteWow, that’s a lot of meaning for that little sculpture! Have you always had all of these thoughts about it, or was it this prompt that caused you to consider it so carefully? I adore it.
ReplyDeleteIt's the prompt. When I bought it, I thought it was meaningful, but like all newlyweds, I had much to learn beyond being in love.
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