There are few opportunities on this side of eternity where we get a taste of this experience with beauty. But I believe Christian marriage is one of them. It comes from a sacrificial, sanctifying love through the years. It comes through moving past the youthful, original attributes that attracted us to one another, to a mature appreciation of the scars that mark the progression of our love. You will NEVER get this in a weekend getaway or a one-night stand.

I read an article the other day that is still bothering me. I think that it captures a lie that many men and women believe about beauty and love. A 59-year-old wrote it, but this is the same problem I see in 18-year-olds.

The article starts out with a brave, naked, woman really looking at herself in the mirror, trying to just get honest with herself after a cold rejection. You see, she had met someone on the Internet, and he seemed like a good match. He made an effort to make the drive to meet her in person. She describes him as gentlemanly, and interested in the same active lifestyle as herself. So she was looking forward to getting to know him better by spending the weekend together.

They get in bed together. Naked. He doesn’t really make a move. (Did I mention that this wasn’t a “Christian” article?) All her attempts at “intimacy” were dodged over the three nights and four days together.

Confused after returning home, this woman had to know what the deal was. So she calls him up to ask. He answers matter of factly:

“Your body is too wrinkly,” he said without a pause. “I have spoiled myself over the years with young women. I just can’t get excited with you. I love your energy and your laughter. I like your head and your heart. But, I just can’t deal with your body.”

He then proceeded to offer her suggestions on how she could distract from her age, dress in a way in which he was attracted, and maybe move their physical relationship forward.

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