Barbie

I should have seen it coming…but I didn’t. Before I knew what was happening I came face to face with Barbie.  Yes…Barbie herself, with all of her hard molded plastic head, flowing blond locks and painted eye shadowed face.  The next day when my friends would ask me what caused the black and blue egg shaped welt on my forehead, I would have to confess that my sister hit me in the head with her Barbie Doll.  But it was ok, because if ripped the doll’s head off thereafter. 

I probably had it coming, as…(I know this is hard to believe)…I pestered my siblings to the point of violent retaliation.  I can’t remember the cause of the conflict.  It could have been me constantly interrupting her alone time, or verbally copying everything she would say including, “Stop copying me! (Stop copying me), Mom! Ryan’s copying me! (Mom! Ryan’s copying me!).  You get the picture.  I probably earned my bruise. 

Yet, I think that we can all agree…Ruth Handler did not create Barbie intending it to be used to whack older brothers in the face…unless of course she too had older brothers…then…maybe?    According to Wikipidia…which may or may not be true…Barbie was invented with the intention of enhancing how girls played with dolls. 

There is intention behind every great invention.  It is believed that the invention of the light bulb was to…make it light.  The invention of the swimming pool was to…swim.   The invention of the coffee pot was to…make me happy. 

Matthew 19:1-12 also reveals a picture of what God intended with marriage. I think that sometimes we lose sight of what God’s intent for marriage really is.  I think 25 years ago, I believe that marriage was in some way or another intended to make me happy.  Now, 25 years later I don’t think that marriage is intended to make me happy.  (Though in case my wife is reading this…I am happy…I am very very happy.  Our marriage makes me happy). I think marriage is bigger than my happiness.  I believe that it is intended to be an avenue by which I…we…get to express the heart of God to one another.  Additionally, I think marriage is a reflection of the promises of faithfulness that God makes to us. 

As a follower of Christ, I think the imagery of marriage is more about reflecting Jesus and the heart of God than it is about me getting what I want.  I think marriage is more about giving than it is receiving.

May we come to see the sweetness of God in the Matthew 19 passage and His heart for love, protection and forgiveness for people.