Courtship and the next generation

By Rhiannonw

Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • 255 reads
6 comments
 

In years gone by a lad would court
the girl whose love and hand he sought
in marriage:
she had time to think–
had she a liking to be caught
by this fine lad, and was his character
trustworthy, his temper not too short?
Did she like, respect, and love, could she share
communicate, complement, really care
for him, and he for her?
Could they vow, take on life-long commitment,
support each other throughout each difficult event?
Together make a home where others would find love and rest
and build their children a wise, safe, loving nest?
Aware of need for long-term labour and forbearance,
wisdom, forgiving grace for love and perseverance
but with a vision of reward and happiness
and helping build a stable nurturing society
of many haven homes imperfect
where family units would be found
listening to each others’ fears and needs –
by ties that wrought acceptance, bound, 
… more careful courtship preparation could for sure
            save many children from much loneliness,
            insecurity, neglect emotional
            and instructional (not material),
            distress …

[IP: courting]

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Comments

Submitted by Nolan on

Theory & Practice! Nolan &

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

mmm!  With all the talk about safety and care of children these days though, they do seem to be left out of concern. Maybe many grown-ups are afraid they don't know how to help and that it may be best to do nothing and leave children unguided. Poor kids!! If they see parents trying to put right their own problems, they will respect them, and if they really try to guide them honestly and well, and give them time, listen, try to understand where they're at now. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by hilary west on

 This shows the innate difficulties of courtship and impending marriage. Nicely done !!!

hilary  smiley

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, HIlary, but I think that these days the idea of preparing together for what long-committed marriage will be like is not thought about, very little advice. So often, instead the emphasis seems to be on preparations for an (expensive) wedding ceremony to enjoy and show-off. I heard awhile ago of such which lasted little time after the ceremony. God's provision for future companionship and safe nurture of children is rarely understood, and facing up to how to cope with the irritations we all have in our nature however much we may want to love! Someone recently described marraige as more of a Tolkien Advenrure or epic, than a RomCom! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

"hardships" of the “inevitable”more like it – Tom

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Hi, Tom. I thought that was what I was indicating, that hardships in life are inevitable, and those who want to marry need to think of their commitment to support each other through whatever comes, 'in sickness and in health', - they can be the stronger as a couple, but only if they work at it, forebearing and forgiving when necessary! Rhiannon