I’m writing today as a contributor to the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for this month is “Discovery.†Christianwriters.com is an excellent place to network if you’re a Christian writer or author.
Discovery… and Indiana Jones. Love Indy. He was the adventuring archaeology professor that “lived” on the big screen… so I like this adventure tale. I also love 00 Smooth… Bond… James Bond. Both dudes were suave… debonair… (neither quite crunchy sexual though… ha!). Oh well, close enough… I guess I could write this “discovery”pitch… it would be fun… and would certainly lead us to an image of Jesus if posed here… but I’m bringing something even lovelier today… yep, and it likewise leads to Jesus…
Discovery to me brings to mind something new… or growing… like a bank of knowledge… or love. Picture with me the cute old couple sitting on the park bench… smiling… in love… STILL in love… it’s been a good life they’ve shared… oh so many memories… children… their children’s children… and so on…
Wondering why I would use an image of a very old couple on a park bench while trying to convey the concept of something new? Or growing? Discovery?
The answer may just surprise you… and totally transform your perspective of the meaning of love… and discovery.
I wonder how many people are genuinely excited about growing old? I don’t know as I’m necessarily excited about this growing old concept… the aches and pains… loosing my memory and eyesight… hearing?? … cant’ run fast anymore… but I am excited about eternity. And I am excited about these two old people we’ve envisioned growing old together. Why?
“Growing old together” … what exactly does that  suggest? Well, to me it suggests that we’re going to continue on a journey to discovery… one that is enduring, like we say about true love… love endures. To me, if “growing old together” means we’re experiencing something that builds formidable mountains in terms of intimacy, I want to know more!
“Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:8
Wouldn’t it be awesome to think that our love could grow continuously through time? I kind of think of that as a goal. At church we say our goal is to be in a growing relationship with Jesus. That’s what I’m referring to here… for Jesus, and for other people.
How do we foster this growth, of our love for others?
The reason that true, unconditional love grows is discovery. (Click to Tweet)
Remember, unconditional love is accepting you exactly as you are. Whatever your imperfections are today… and whatever comes up tomorrow… this love endures. It is unchanging. It’s like the invitation from God…
“For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29
When we’re in a relationship that clicks right, there is growth. It could be in your marriage, with your other loved ones, and also with Jesus. Especially with Him. That’s exciting! It may not happen every single day, and certainly we’ll go through seasons, just the same as in every other aspect of life, but hopefully there is growth in a positive direction.
How do we stay is discovery mode?
There is one enduring truth: When all else fails, the truth of God will still be standing.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Jesus speaking, as documented in Luke 21:33
Growing love and discovery… it’s not a gimme… we have to have a healthy heart to be in this arena.
The thought driving this through me doesn’t dive into the physical side of a healthy heart. While that’s important to our vitality, and it’s something that I prioritize in my personal life, this effort is focused on the emotional health of our heart.
A good, warm and inviting fire… fueled with the deep, enduring love of Jesus, fanned by the breath of the Holy Spirit, and ignited by the crisp spark of God’s word on the tip of our tongue.
That’s how we get to the proverbial park bench from here…
Discovery is simply having a positive attitude, initiative and a healthy heart. (Click to Tweet)
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. Ecclesiastes 3:11-12
Really good piece Chris.
Thank you Keith, I appreciate your encouragement!
You’ve hit it just right–relationship building is about discovery of the other person and yourself and who you are together!
I love the idea of Jesus as Indiana Jones—after all, he already has the whip and is used to hanging out in ancient temples! BTW, Indiana Jones #5 has been announced with Harrison Ford–just no title, other stars or plot info yet. I “discovered” that on IMDB this weekend…
I didn’t know there’s a new Indiana Jones movie coming out, that’s exciting!
We’re always better together, good thought Carol !!
Love the scriptures to go with this.
I want to continue to grow and discover in Christ and in my marriage.
Great post!
Thank you T.C., always appreciate you stopping by and sharing here!
I noticed a couple in a restaurant not long ago, older with gray hair and wrinkles. They were holding hands across the table and chatting as if they were out for their first anniversary dinner. They must have learned that powerful lesson of love growing through discovery. Thanks for the reminder of this in our marriages and our walks with Christ!
That’s a sweet story that warms my heart Heather, thank you for sharing it!
Thanks for this great reminder Chris
Be Great Tracy!!
brillisant post
God’s biiiiiiiiiig
We’re small
in Jesus we discover Him all
Good stuff JB, thanks 🙂
Great post. I enjoyed the scriptures you shared. Thanks.
Thank you for stopping by, glad you enjoyed it Stephanie!
Thanks Chris – I do look forward to growing older with my wife.
You’re welcome Bill
Excellent post, Chris. Although I’m not in a romantic relationship with anyone, I do have a relationship with God. And that needs constant tending if I want to continue to discover more about Him and grow in relationship with Him. Thanks for the reminder.
Yep, our relationship with God is the most important one, thank you Traci!!
Like your note at the beginning for the blog chain. Been noticing lately how my groom of 23 years and I are many times in the same thought as one of us expresses it. That’s a fun “discovery”!
Smiles for that, thanks Chris 🙂
When my husband and I first got married, I saw a couple like the one in your picture, and I saw others holding hands as they walked through the parking lot at the grocery store. I told my husband, “When we get older, I want to be like them.”
He smiled. “I think we will, Deb.”
We recently celebrated our 31st anniversary. As we strolled through a parking lot, holding hands, I remembered our humble beginnings. I was grateful for the love we shared, even stronger than it was in the beginning.
God bless you Deborah, love it!!
Chris loved this part “When we’re in a relationship that clicks right, there is growth.” It truly is a gift from God to have those kind of relationships – what a blessing. Wonderful post! Peace and Blessings
Thank you Terrie, this was a fun post for me… always enjoy the blog chain interaction!