A few months ago I heard a speaker talk about his years of pastoring a church in Arkansas. During his time there, he had a gentleman in the church who was a Fish and Games Official. This came in pretty handy as this official would periodically call him to tell him where they had recently stocked. He might say, “Well we just put 1000 trout in a particular stream,” or we dumped a load of 500 Catfish in such and such a lake.
The pastor would then take his kids to one of these locations to fish. They had such a great time as they would cast their line in – and pull out a fish. Cast it in again – and pull out anther fish. The kids loved it.
Once, when the family went camping, they discovered a nearby lake. So, the dad asked his children if they wanted to go fishing. With an excited “yes,” off they went. His daughter cast in her line – then pulled it out. She cast it in again, but still nothing. She looked at her dad and said, “Something is wrong.” The father told her that sometimes you have to be patient and wait for the fish to bite. Disappointed, she proclaimed, “This isn’t fishing.” To which her dad said, “Actually, this is. What you have done before really isn’t.”
How often have we watched the couple on the movie screen run in slow motion, embracing one another, completely fulfilling each other’s deepest desires every moment of their day? Yet when we go home – we do so to noisy children, a broken water heater, and an angry spouse. We may then find ourselves thinking, “This isn’t marriage.” Well, actually it is. What we saw on the cinema screen is not an accurate portrayal.
Having realistic expectations, when it comes to the ups and downs of our marital life, is essential. It enables us to better accept and appreciate our mate and the dynamics of our relationship. Don’t be fooled by what you see in the theatre. Instead, embrace the reality of loving a flawed individual – who is also doing the same. Let the adventure begin.