"Tale As Old As Time..."

Have you ever noticed that suddenly the lyrics of a song you love have even more meaning?  Have you ever adored a song, but never really took the time to sink in the words? I have. And the most recently revelation is the song "Beauty and the Beast"... the Angela Lansbury version, of course. 

I have always loved this song.  But I have loved it in different stages.  When I was a little girl, I loved the whole scene; the beautiful, golden ballroom, Belle's flowing dress, the romance, the Beast swirling her around and around.  I knew I loved the song, but only because it fit in so well with the scene.  As I grew, I realized the song was so romantic! (Because isn't almost everything romantic when you're 15?) There was suddenly something so magical in the whole thing! I was beginning to realize how beautiful romance could be! But recently, I listened to the lyrics and found that this song is truly romantic, because it contains many of the emotions that ladies and gentlemen experience in a relationship. And many important key components to a happy and Godly relationship and marriage. 

"Tale as old as time

True as it can be

Barely even friends

Then somebody bends

Unexpectedly..."

The beauty of friendship is transformed into something magical. Love. It's a "Tale as old as time." Because someone bends unexpectedly. Bending is necessary in any relationship!  It can't be "my way" or "your way."  Both parties have to bend - or sacrifice their own desires - for the other person. But it strengthens the relationship.  And in marriage; brings husband and wife closer together in unity before God.

"Just a little change

Small to say the least

Both a little scared

Neither one prepared

Beauty and the beast..."

Just the smallest change can make the difference.  Suddenly, friendship becomes something more! The touch of his hand means something special, her smile is directed just at you, your eyes meet in a crowded room and hearts leap.  Suddenly, both boy and girl know they want to spend the rest of their lives together in marriage.  But it's a big step.  Both are scared; this is all new.  No one is prepared and many mistakes are made, but the joy outweighs the struggle. And one learns from mistakes. 

"Ever just the same

Ever a surprise

Ever as before

Ever just as sure

As the sun will rise..."

True love and romance is enchanting and beautiful in any language and in any culture. When united with the Will of God, love remains the same. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud... Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) It is selfless, it is virtuous, it is full. It is as sure as the rising of the eastern sun.  It is a gift from God.

"Tune as old as song

Bittersweet and strange

Finding you can change

Learning you were wrong..."

 

How important is that verse? "...Finding you can change; Learning you were wrong." Many times our pride prevents us from following the path of God.  Pride blocks the way for grace to enter into our heart.  Jesus told St. Faustina that, "The greatest misery does not stop Me from uniting Myself to a soul, but where there is pride, I am not there."  How can we forgive if our pride is in the way?   Admitting you were wrong and changing is so important in a relationship - any kind, actually.  Whether it be a friendship, sibling relationship, marriage, dating, or a relationship with God, we should never let pride hinder our love for another person.  Do we want to risk losing them? What would have happened if The Beast hadn't changed? 

I love this song.  In a deeper way than I would have ever guessed.  It's not just romantic, it true.  It's rich and full.  It is enchanting! 

"Beauty and the Beast..."

Go! Listen to the song and drink it in (Along with that ballroom... and the chandelier! And the glorious night they admire out on the balcony).  Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to watch Beauty and the Beast...

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