love+marriage

I found this the other day and felt like it was the perfect post-Valentine's day message.  There is no greater joy than that found in the depths of time and understanding:

"No long-term marriage is made easily, and there have been times when I've been so angry or so hurt that I thought my love would never recover. And then, in the midst of near despair, something has happened beneath the surface.


A bright little flashing fish of hope has flicked silver fins and the water is bright and suddenly I am returned to a state of love again — till next time.


I've learned that there will always be a next time, and that I will submerge in darkness and misery, but that I won't stay submerged. And each time something has been learned under the waters; something has been gained; and a new kind of love has grown. The best I can ask for is that this love, which has been built on countless failures, will continue to grow.


I can say no more than that this is mystery, and gift, and that somehow or other, through grace, our failures can be redeemed and blessed.”


― Madeleine L'Engle