Love in the Long-Term

Sandy and James had grown up together. Their families lived in the same neighborhood, and they met their first day at the park with their moms. They became best buddies.  

 

When the other kids teased them about being a couple, James insisted that he didn't like "Girls!" and Sandy would just blush.

 

As time passed, they continued to be best friends, insisting that nothing was romantic going on.   They dated other people and remained friends. When they graduated from high school, they chose different colleges and parted ways.

 

But after college graduation, something happened. They both returned to their hometown. James no longer saw the little girl in pigtails. He saw a young woman of mystery and could not get her out of his mind. She no longer saw her freckled-faced friend. There was something very different about James, and she couldn't figure out what was different.

 

Well, you know the rest of the story. That mystery became wonder and awe. Love began to blossom. They were married within a year of coming home. Fast forward about 45 years. 

 

Yep, still in the same town. Both have had successful careers. The kids are grown and out on their own raising the Grands.  

 

One day, their oldest Grand-daughter, Mindy, was visiting and told them, "Gramps and Granny, you two are amazing. After all these years, you two are still lovebirds. What's your secret?"

 

James spoke up first, "I don't have a clue. I know that I have known your Granny all my life and we have been friends all that time. But ever since I got back from college, she has been the biggest mystery in my life. I know stuff about her, but there is so much more to her. I don't suppose I'll ever figure her out. And that makes me want to know more."

 

Sandy chimed in, "I thought I had him figured out several times, but then he went and did something that really surprised me. I know a lot about him, but I have had to spend a lifetime getting to know him. And I am not sure I ever will!"

 

Mindy shook her head and smiled. "So, the secret to your relationship is that you are both mysteries to each other, and you want to figure each other out?"

 

Sandy replied, "Yes, but it is more like, we like the mystery. It keeps the zip in our step."

 

Mindy figured she had heard enough and said, "That is almost too much information."

 

Gramps then responded, "Well, you asked!"

 

Later that day, Mindy thought about what they had said and started to believe that mystery must be important to long-term love. She had had boyfriends but no real lovers. Maybe her life needed a mystery person. "Hmmm!" she thought to herself.

 

Love introduces us to Mysteries beyond our imaginations, but only if we respect the mystery and do not rush to fill in the space with half-baked explanations. In fact, when love surprises us, we do get "zip" in our step! Without mystery, love falls flat into daily life's mundane, routine muddiness. There is no wonder, no awe, and no surprise. But when mystery surrounds the love of our life, we walk through days filled with all three. We wonder. Our souls fill with awe. And our mind is constantly surprised by the challenge of that relationship. And that bit of mystery makes all the difference!