On Friday my wife was threatening to go to a movie. She gauged my interest (I am usually not in the mood for a movie but do like them once I get there. Odd, I confess.) She checked the available pictures and then wondered who might go to The Age of Adaline with her. At this point I offered to go, so long as it involved a stop afterwards at Five Guys for burgers and fries. Or the odd little pizza place by the mall. Deal. So off to the movies it was.
The movie was nothing short of a genuine chick flick. No guns or shoot outs. No car chases, No soldiers, cowboys, terrorists, not a one. That said, the story was good (or at least I was engaged in it, its lack of probability not withstanding.) I found myself caring about the characters, and glad at the end with the double happy ending (I don't think that is a spoiler. Hope not! Remember, I said it was a chick flick.) As we left the theater, Sherry asked if I liked it. "Yeah, it was OK. No that is not fair it was better than OK, I liked it. It was good." On the ride home, after the little burger and shared fries, I started talking about the after story. The interesting situations the characters were going to face now. "Dear, it's just a movie."
Just a movie! What makes a good movie in my book is that I start caring about the characters and thinking about the story after it has ended. Then, "As a guy I hate to admit this, but I guess I am a romantic at heart." Her response, "A reluctant romantic." I sometimes say that I am the last of the great romantics, but that is sarcasm. I normally don't think of classic romantic things. I rarely remember that my wife loves flowers. She has to buy them herself when she wants them. I rarely light (read never unless the power goes out) candles. I am forbidden to purchase perfume or cologne as I don't know what is smells like. (In fact, I had to ask Debbie how to spell the latter.) I try and say some love phrase once a day, and I mean it, but it is not always natural.
Yet, when I think about it, I have this reluctant romantic side. I like chick flicks, romantic comedies usually, love stories. I have programmed The "Love Songs" channel on my radio, and my Pandora channels are more Pop than I would like to admit. My wife is right. I am a reluctant romantic.
And to be honest, that is the primary reason behind the faith that I have. I look forward to heaven and want to stay out of hell. I want my sins forgiven, I want my theology to be correct, and solid. But more than anything I am drawn to the love of God side of Christianity. I take great pleasure in singing of his love. Among my favorite songs is Jeremy Camp's "Give Me Jesus." When I partake of Communion, I don't reflect on my forgiven sin, or the suffering of Jesus. Not usually. I reflect on his love. He loved so much that he gave his life. I am not sure if it is theologically accurate, but it is the romantic side of God and his son that keep me in the church, in the family of God. The Gaithers got it right:
"O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints' and angels' song.