Three days ago, I borrowed my Dad's truck to run an errand when I stumbled across the most unexpected something in his glove compartment while I searched for a phone charger: a journal. Of my father's. In his glove box. So of course I read it. Apparently, he had made an entry every time he filled up his tank, along with documentation of his mpg.
Amidst tidbits about his trips, my brother and I or the rising cost of gas, the overarching theme was his undying love for my mom, Tracy. After all these years, he still writes entries like "I miss Tracy, she seems so distant lately.", "I just want to see her smile and hear her laugh. It brings me so much JOY."
Here's a question to all the bachelors and bachelorettes in the house: What matters more in a potential spouse: getting joy out of their presence, OR good marriage potential? Sometimes there is one and not the other, or at least it can lean one way or the other. Food for thought. I think the most fulfilling marriages have both. The drag? Waiting sucks.
I agree dude, waiting sucks for sure.
ReplyDeleteHey dude. Here is my blog, hope you enjoy! I need to start writing again.... maybe some of your thoughts will encourage me.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, about your question: I think that being TRULY in love means a little of both. However, if I were to choose one, it would be to enjoy each others company, over 'potential'. Potential doesn't mean crap when it comes to real relationships, because everyone grows and learns and CHANGES. If you fall in love with someone, you fall in love with their spirit, their heart, not always how they act around you (which can be part of the marriage potential).
Just my thought.
Happy reading!
-b
First of all, your dad sounds like an awesome person!
ReplyDeleteMy tendency is to also say that the joy is the more important part, but my introverted thinking side says differently. Yes I am a nerd. haha. Anyhow, I think that if someone is technically suitable for you in most ways, you can probably enjoy being married to that person. I think it takes a lot of attitude control and possibly a perspective change, but I think that in most cases it is more likely to create a joyful relationship out of a functional one than to create a functional one out of a joyful one. Less stress makes for more peace and happiness. Also, I think love is a choice. Of course, attraction is not, but I think love is.
In reality, I would probably choose the joy over the "potential" despite what my introverted thinking says...