There's Something to Hear from the Morgans

Linsey and I recently watched, Did You Hear About The Morgans? I'm not just saying this because I'm supposed to, but I let her go into Blockbuster and choose the movie. OK, can we leave it at that. The next part, however, I have to own. I wasn't expecting anything more than some cuddle time with my wife, and for the first 45 minutes of the movie, mission accomplished. But, as the story progressed (Hugh Grant provides some laughs for the men out there), I found a heart in the movie.

If you look up the Morgans on Rotten Tomatoes, you'll only see a meager 13% rating. And, as that's probably deserved if you compare to such greats as An Affair to Remember, Out of Africa, Forest Gump, Three Amigos, and so on (that last one is true, don't deny it). There is something that the reviewers totally miss—simple, no strings attached redemption.

Without ruining the movie for you (if that's possible), the Morgans are separated due to an infidelity—a dispicable act that can't be justified. And such is our sin (or lower) nature. The unexpected part comes in remorse, engagement (repentence), loving-endurance (perseverence) and forgiveness. These are divine attributes. As Alexander Pope once said, "To err is human, to forgive is divine." In short, the circumstances the characters are thrown into also provide a crucible to build character and learn to love again.

So many couples these days don't take the time to receive this precious gift that only suffering through something can provide, even if the source of the pain is the other.

Gary Thomas in his book, Sacred Marriage, describes a time frame of 9-14 years before a couple really 'gets' oneness. Ironically, marriage research guru John Gottman reports that the majority of divorces happen within the first 4 years of marriage.

The Morgans may not be on anyone's Top 10 list this year (or Top 200 for that matter), but if one considers the philosophy that often pervades popular movies, maybe it should be.

The best part of the Morgans is the Easter egg at the end. I won't spoil it for you, but it communicates yet another vital truth to the vast richness that only real, battle-tested love has to offer us. Hint: It's not just about us.