What Does Your Prince Charming Do?
To be fair to the princes of Disney, there’s more to them than this picture depicts.
But they do invite dreams of little girls imagining splashy weddings and perfect babies and their own Prince Charming.
According to Disney, Prince Charming will be be rich, charming, famous, and good-looking.
But ah, reality says otherwise.
A real life Prince Charming has something much more significant to offer. And every grown woman should value it: a heart to serve.
When Jeff washed dishes last night at 9:30, I liked it. And before that, when he lifted a heavy box out of my car for me, I was impressed. And before that, when he put in a full day’s work on the job to put money in the bank, I admired him for that, too.
It works both ways, of course. If I’m a truly loving wife, I serve, too. Marriage creates multiple opportunities for both of us to practice serving.
And practice it.
And practice it.
In sickness and in health.
For richer or for poorer.
Regardless of fame or charm, practice serving.
God sent the model Prince Charming ready to serve (Mark 10:45). He overwhelmed us with his practice. Back then. Today. Tomorrow.
Disney may not have designed this character yet, and we may not even fully appreciate it, but true greatness lies in true serving (Matthew 20:26-27).
The sweetest love excels at extravagant serving.
Maybe one day Disney will catch on.
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Who has served you today? What did they do for you? Please share in the comments.
revised from the archives
Hi, Lisa! Are you familiar with the five love languages? Learning even a little about them has made such a positive impact on our marriage and family. It was a game changer for me when I finally understood that Tom “speaks love” through service (as does our son), but he prefers to hear love through affirmation. Service received is so powerful when we recognize it as a love language, and you’re so right about Jesus being the perfect model for it.
Great post, Lisa! Does Drax from ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ count as a version of Prince Charming? That’s who Barb compares me to.
I find that under my current circumstances (which seem to get more painful daily) the offer of an act of service is as good as one which is performed. I’ve GOT to keep flogging myself forward, to be able to carry on – use it or lose it – and often have to decline the offer, but it’s valued nonetheless.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2018/05/your-dying-spouse-466-lets-put-fun-back.html
I’d much rather have real life and deal with each other’s flaws and show our love in our service to each other. I always liked what Elisabeth Elliot said, that we marry a sinner, because there is simply no one else to marry.
This brought back something I learned about some of my own flawed ideas about happily ever after from a book I read long ago. (It had something to do with animals who showed to do the cleaning and dwarves who went off to work while I happily made the home without interruptions.) You’re good at bringing our eyes back to what matters, to who matters, and why. Jesus served. And so should we.
Fun post, Lisa and I love your point about service. How blessed your daughters are to have grown up with such a beautiful example of two parents who work at service and in so doing point them to their true Prince Charming.
I love this, Lisa! I’ve never been much of Disney movie fan because, well, the movies are nice, but so unrealistic (and I hate the way they portray all women as large in the heart area more often than large-hearted). I served my students today, as well as my hubby (he’ll have a hot meal waiting for him when he gets home, and clean clothes in his closet–I even cleaned the bathroom–now THAT’S service! 😉 ).
I love this, Lisa. This >> “The sweetest love excels at extravagant serving.” Yes, my husband truly loves and serves me, and my family, and many others I will say. My prayer today is that I would love and serve him 1/2 as well.
Yes, Lisa! Beautifully said. Love how you brought in examples of the daily grind of life. Because that’s where we all live and not in a Disney fairy tale. “God sent the model Prince Charming ready to serve (Mark 10:45).” Yes. Yes, He did!
No one has served me today…yet, it’s 8:43 in the morning so I still have time. I did serve an elderly man earlier today when I gave him my seat on the bus. He had a cane and was clearly challenged standing up. He was happy to have my seat. Life is about service. As Proverbs says, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Look at God. The maintenance man in my building just came by and served me with delicious Baklava. We’ve become friends over the course of my time living here and now whenever I need something done, I call him directly and he shows up.
Sunday he came by to finish a job and shared Baklava with me. When he came by yesterday to help me with my table, I told him how much I enjoyed the Baklava. IHe said he was going to bring me more today and that he did; 5 pieces of delicious Baklava.
The word of God never fails; he who waters others will indeed be refreshed.
Very thankful for my Prince Charming and for the wonderful example he has been to our four Princes in Training. True love really is all about selfless serving.
We have things so messed up in our world. When will people realize the Princess (Cinderella, Belle and all the others) are just as false as Prince Charming. I’m thrilled to death Jo has accepted me for who I am. As has God.
The love language of acts of service is my #2 favorite, after quality time/conversation. I love watching my husband or my sons mow our property from our windows. I also love when my husband fixes meals on Sundays and washes the dishes. You’ve reminded me to praise them for their acts of service today. Sharing on Twitter!
Amen! Service is truly a gift. Blessed to be your neighbor at Tell His Story this week.
Lisa, I agree with you. Give me a serving man any day over a charming, good-looking, and famous man. I have known some of these Disney Prince Charmings, and they often expect a lot more of others than they give back. So glad God blessed me with a server. Today he popped home during lunch time and let me tell you his listening ear and welcome hug was balm to my ragged day.
The media has tainted all of us to one degree or another I’m afraid.
I think you nailed it, Lisa. We all want others to give to us, but we seldom consider that true love, the kind Christ demonstrated, is True Love.
Thanks for the reminder.
I have pondered how media portrays women but never really stopped to consider the prince Charming affect. Interesting. I know the longer I am married, the more I appreciate and love Bill. Sounds like you have a Prince Charming like I do. We are blessed.