In Tandem Harmony

Sanibel Island 2008

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then…you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Roms. 15:5-6 NLT)

Phillip and I enjoy riding a tandem: a bicycle-built-for-two consisting of parts arranged one behind the other that work in conjunction with each other. From the front seat, Phillip changes gears and steers while both of us pump synchronized pedals to move us in the same direction toward the same destination. Phillip also controls the hand breaks; however, if we get going too fast, I have the power from that second seat to hit the drag break!

Hmmm…sounds a bit like the dynamics of a healthy, godly marriage, doesn’t it?

·      The husband/leader – “For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church.” (Eph. 5:23)

·      The husband/wife team – “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.” (Eccl. 4:9-10)

·      The wife/partner – “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord…The heart of her husband trusts in her and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.” (Prov. 18:22, 31:11-12)

                                    Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer true
                                       I’m half crazy over the love of you

It won’t be a stylish marriage

I can’t afford a carriage

But you’ll look sweet

Upon the seat

Of a bicycle built for two

Billy, Billy, give me your answer true

I love riding, do you love it too

Slow or fast or faster

You lead, I’ll follow after

The path flies by as you and I

Ride a bicycle built for two!

~From "Daisy Bell" by Harry Dacre, 1892~

Sanibel Island 2010