TWO SHY OF A PLATINUM JUBILEE

An often used quote about marriage, is given a cheeky twist by someone mischievous  – “Marriages are made in heaven. But, they are lived on the earth.” Though cheeky, it has such a profound meaning.

There are no perfect marriages, because there are no perfect people. This is not an excuse, but a factual reality. We are all fallen and flawed people, redeemed by the grace of God. We are all in the process of rectification and restoration. Therefore the imperfection, and the need for Love, Sacrifice, Humility, Gentleness, Honesty, Tolerance, Patience, Respect and Forgiveness.

Hence, marriages are never easy. The opinions differ. The personalities differ. The family background, personal history and culture differs. All these are friction points, and the causes for clashes, if not tread judiciously. Therefore, success of a marriage hugely depends on how the couple MANAGE their DIFFERENCES, and not so much their similarities.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were married for 73 years – 1947 to 2021. On the occasion of the Queen’s Golden Wedding Anniversary, in November 1997, at Banqueting House, London, the Queen and the Prince spoke the following words.

Prince Philip said – “I think the main lesson we have learnt is that tolerance is the one essential ingredient in any happy marriage… You can take it from me, the Queen has the quality of tolerance in abundance.”

Queen Elizabeth said – “All too often, I fear, Prince Philip has had to listen to me speaking. Frequently we have discussed my intended speech beforehand and, as you will imagine, his views have been expressed in a forthright manner. He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.”

Here is some very sound advise from our Creator and Redeemer, through Paul – “33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” – Ephesians 5:33. Wise and profound words, reflecting the needs of the spouses – LOVE and RESPECT.

Marriage, as I see, in simple words – “It takes two to tango.”