Romantic Non-Fiction

 

“…but they seemed like only a few days to him…”   Genesis 29:20

Harlequin should have been in Haran as Jacob found a home and lost his heart.  Her name was Rachel.  She was his first love and his first cousin. (Being close kin was no concern back then.)  She was striking, and he was smitten.  Big time.

The whole thing started at a well.  (Must have been a wishing one.)  Jacob arrived in the area as Rachel showed up with the sheep.  He watered the flock, kissed the girl, cried out loud, and revealed that he was related.  She rushed away with the info, and Jacob was welcomed into the family.

After just four weeks, Uncle Laban offered wages for his work, but Jacob was more interested in marriage than money.  “Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, ‘I’ll work for you for seven years in return for your younger daughter’”(Gen 29:18).  “Better you than some other boy,” her dad declared. “It’s a deal.”

Thus ensues the most romantic statement in all of Scripture—“So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days because of his love for her”(Gen 29:20).  Yes, the tale takes a twist and tying the knot turns into a tangle, but that’s tomorrow.  Today, pause and celebrate the passion of a captivated heart.

Seven years make up more than 2500 days.  That’s not a few.  But “they seemed like only a few,” for the prize was worth the price.  Jacob’s love made the long seem short.  The hard, easy.  The demanding, delightful.  Being with Rachel would be his treasure.

Girls think, “He must have been so sweet.”  Guys think, “She must have been so hot.”  Both, for love brings out the best in us and the beauty in others.  It’s a win-win when we put each other first and focus on what’s right.  

True love willing to sacrifice and wanting to serve is better than anything you can buy in a book.  Don’t look on a shelf.  Look at your spouse.

Rachel was worth the work.

So is yours.