02/07/09 Honeymoon

America’s honeymoon phase with its new president is in full swing. Like a school-child struck with a bad case of puppy-love, we are all goo-goo eyed and giddy with excitement; our beloved can do no wrong.
When the honeymoon ends, as all honeymoons do, when the after-glow fads and reality sets in, when the quirks you used to find endearing now drives you up the wall, that’s when the hard work of relationship begins. That mature work of compromise and self-sacrifice, honoring the commitment, remembering the vow... real love.
Now, just for grins, let’s continue using the analogy of marriage between President Obama– our soul mate– and the American people. Well over fifty percent of marriages end in divorce. All those couples shared one thought; “It will never happen to us.” But happen it did, the split came, and more often then not came amid a bitter, ugly, and acrimonious war. From the heights of love, to the depths of hatred, often in the blink of an eye.
I greatly anticipate the President’s speech to the “Muslim World.” Attempting to confront theology (Islam) with ideology (democracy) I find fascinating. I hope the President is just playing his Christian beliefs close to the vest, Christians by in large think Jesus is who he said he is.
Troublesome times are here, we won’t agree with every decision President Obama makes, no more than we agree with our respective spouses on every issue, after all, we’re not joined at the hip. If we share a common goal, have similar philosophies, a comparable belief system, and a world view that blankets the planet in love and good will, then we can go the distance, reach our goals… and enjoy the journey.
Love conquers all