A Paradox … or, A Pair of Cows?

 “We learn from history, that we don’t learn from history”. Georg Hegel ~ I am going to think positive, but I know it won’t work ~ “To early seen unknown, and known to late!” William Shakespeare ~ “Prediction is very difficult, especially if it’s about the future” Niels Bohr ~ “Plans are worthless, but planning is everything” Dwight D Eisenhower ~ “What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young”.

George Bernard Shaw ~ “Cowards die many times before their deaths” William Shakespeare ~ “I can resist anything, except temptation” Oscar Wilde ~ Or, how about this one from our modern technology … ‘No keyboard detected, Press F1’ ~ Or … some of mine are: In regards to value, the surgeon is a pauper, when compared to a professional basketball player. Perhaps we need to start calling our surgeons ‘professionals’. Yeah, that’ll make the difference. And last, I almost always, never drive this way … or, That’s awful good! …

So Rick, some good paradox sayings, but what the heck is the ‘Pair of Cows’ all about? This past week I was riding my motorcycle to visit a friend who has been quiet ill. On the way I passed through our tiny town of Lyons, Oregon. A few things that always stand out to me about Lyons. One, the amazing Santiam River flows through it. I have yet to drive over the bridge without enjoying her beauty. Two, the awesome new metal sign that welcomes the visitor to their town. And three, it is a hub of motorcycle joy in three directions.

As I rode through this past week, something new stood out. I glanced momentarily to my left to capture a very unique site. To such, that I was impelled to turn around and truly capture this moment. I had seen the metal ‘Longhorn’ sculpture before, but never with its doppelganger standing only few feet away. It was this picture that got me thinking of the past week’s events.

Two weddings … both ended with “I do”! Both, assembled family and friends. Both, included food, music and dancing. Both couples are brothers and sisters in Christ. Both provided as a symbol of their love, rings … a distinction, a bond, an eternal love.

But then I thought of a ‘Paradox’ or, ‘The Pair of Cows’, as it would be. They’re both ‘Longhorns’. But they’re not! The weddings, though so many similarities, had many different distinctions. The one, high octane, with much more energy. The other, a calm, a quietness. The one, a focus more toward one person. The other, very much included both. The one, a mixture of Christ … and the world. The other, a legacy of generations living in the grace and fullness of God our Savior.

As these two couples begin their journey’s here in the year 2022, we can not begin to imagine where their marriage will take them twenty or forty years from now. Struggles will be inevitable. But I hope, I do pray that communication, and that grace … will carry them, and their children through the difficulties which they will face. That their ultimate reliance will not be upon themselves, as individuals or as couples. Rather, might their reliance be upon the Creator of the universe. The one who, as John 3:16 says, “Gave His only son, Jesus, that whoever believes in Him might not perish, but have everlasting life.”

‘The Pair of Cows’ … One, solely for looks. The other, is a wondrous created miracle. Might these marriages not be one of looks, rather another wondrous created miracle, an example of the love that our Father has so bestowed upon us. 

 

 

 

So hold onto Jesus wherever you are ...