Mates for Life
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)
What a concept! Nature has a plan for some creatures to mate for life (including swans). Bald eagles, wolves, beavers, and vultures are but a few that made the list.
Have you ever wondered if God’s creatures have feelings? I think about those kinds of things a lot, especially when I see one that has been hit by a truck or car.
A few days ago, I saw a dead rabbit in the middle of the dirt road and its mate came out to check on it. Michael joked that she was telling him: “Harvey, this is not the time nor place for a nap. Get up now! We’ve got things to do.” Of course, we both laughed. While rabbits are not one of the pairs that mate for life, it still gave me cause to stop and think.
Perhaps there is total dedication and loyalty among the life-long mates. Where have humans gone wrong? While the divorce rate climbs, (20-25% of Christian marriages end in divorce) maybe nature knows more about this than we do.
If bald eagles, swans, and beavers can find life-long mates and be content, why can’t we? I might suggest that we are ego-centered, selfish, and have that built in sense of entitlement—but I could be wrong. This situation is worsened by media presence. We see what others have and quickly believe that this is how life should be. Should is a relationship killer!
If only we could learn to be satisfied and honestly say: "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:11-13, NIV). This can only become a reality when we spend time with Him, our forever friend.
Our Teacher, the Creator of connections, stands ready and open to embrace us. With His examples of tender and unfailing love, we can enter into meaningful earthly interactions.
Loving Lord, thank You for Your Presence. Help us to keep it really simple: to love You and through Your love to share it with others. We need relationship—we need You. AMEN.