Mr. Brown is very practical. He no sooner would notice the color of the walls than buy something simply for its beauty. He works very hard, is purpose-minded and budget-conscious. He enjoys people very much but doesn't fuss much with personal issues or dramatic displays of emotion. He tends to spend time with people who are close in proximity, rather than close to the soul. His strength is not keeping in touch. He likes music but wouldn't think to make sure the music is on. He doesn't need "inspiration" because, to him, work is mostly a means to an end. Mr. Brown feels secure when things make sense and are logical, which is why he likes to ask questions and even debate now and then. Intangible things make him a little uneasy. Mr. Brown is a creature of habit.
Ms. Rainbow can be practical, but doesn't want that to be the reason she does things. To her, practical equals boring, plain, mundane. She experiences a range of emotions and enjoys sharing those with her friends. She takes pleasure in the details, the colors, smells, sounds, decor. She likes to create and explore her imagination. She thrives on being able to please others, to be spontaneous, to make every day unique. She can express herself well and is sensitive to others' feelings. She lives in the intangible world of love, peace, joy and color. She is childlike and invites others to be their true selves. Routine can feel like a rut at times. Intellectuals and critical thinkers make her a little uneasy. Ms. Rainbow is a creature of the heart.
When Mr. Brown met Ms. Rainbow one day he was totally enchanted by her free spirit and exuberance. He felt "alive" for the first time in her presence. Ms. Rainbow became intoxicated by his attentiveness and questions, seeming to want to know everything about her. She deeply respected this hard-working, reliable rock of a man.
We all know the end of the story - they married and lived happily ever after, right? Well, yes and no. They did marry, but like every couple, soon noticed how deeply different they were. How does a Brown talk to a Rainbow and reach her without boring her or frustrating her? How does a Rainbow open up to a Brown and help him see in color?
God, the creator of both the Browns and the Rainbows understands us all. I know that for me, I knew God many years before I knew Joe and vice versa. When I find myself unable to relate to his world, I can turn to God, who relates to us both. I can find solace in HIM and know that I am known. I can pray for my Mr. Brown (whom I deeply love and respect) knowing that God accepts and understands him and knows just how to help him. I can talk to other Mr. Browns too and get their perspective, which helps me gain perspective on their language and their world.
Funny, 1 Peter counsels us women to be an example to our husbands "without words" - counter to most of our most popular way to relate. 1 Peter then counsels the husbands to simply love us - accept us, listen to us, help us. These things take a stretch from what comes naturally to us as men and women, but it's a beautiful way to refine us and help us grow.
In the end, if the world was only Brown, we would be seriously devoid of variation, color, beauty and emotion. On the other hand, if it were only Rainbow I am not sure how much we would accomplish, how reliable we would be or how much we would mature. We need eachother. As frustrating as it can be sometimes to understand, I am so very grateful that according to God's infinite wisdom, I married my Mr. Brown.
