Article February 22, 1999 Issue

GROWING UP

Kay Ramsdell Olson

Sure, a couple can stay together "for better or for worse," but happiness and harmony together require more. A lot more. A solid relationship requires desire—a desire that transcends physical attraction, a desire for more than appeasement or simple compromise. It requires growing up.

Science and Health gives this guidance: "What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds" (p. 4). To bring these graceful qualities to a marriage demands a higher concept of "weddedness"—a weddedness to a "first love" (see Rev. 2:4). What is that? It is a love for one's God—who is divine Love—so sincere, honest, and persistent, that the yearning for growing in grace is a constant.

At this stage, probably few would claim to be unfailingly patient, meek, or loving. Still, the heartfelt desire to know God better, to love Him more dearly, to follow His word more nearly, results in refinement and progress.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Spirituality in the workplace