More than the "fairy tale"

Been watching romantic comedies lately (I know, I know...). They're all about the same: lovable loser guy meets awesome girl, connection begins. Obstacles arise, leading to comedic moments, then romantic resolution supplies fairy tale ending.

Problem: the movies always end where the real work begins. The phrase "I want the fairy tale"
has been ringing in my head lately - I think it's from Pretty Woman, but can't be sure because I never saw that movie. It sums up what most people think they're looking for - riding off into the sunset - happily ever after - the fairy tale ending.

Not me, though. I want way more than the fairy tale ending - I want the fairy tale to be just the beginning. You ask, "What do you mean?" I answer, "Great question! Thanks for asking!"

Too many times, we get our idea of what a great relationship is supposed to be like from the things we see on TV, at the movies, or read about in books. But few (if any) of these relationships ever show the real work that goes hand-in-hand with marriage-level love. Real, God-inspired, loving relationships require openness, honesty, trust, forgiveness, and commitment. They require daily sacrifices of self in favor of other and "us".

I know this because I've lived it. I know this because I've helped other couples who were having trouble in their marriage. Most of all, I know this because I have read the Bible and seen the example of God's love through the actions of His Son.

So if you're like me, praying for God to bring you together with "the right one", make sure you're asking for the right thing - not just the fairy tale, but the full sacrificial package - and get ready to do the work required. And if you're feeling frustrated because your fairy tale has slipped away, you might need to change your thinking. Godly marriage is about the best thing you can ever experience here on earth, but it's very different from what the movies are selling...