The first two chapters of A Severe Mercy alone are enough to evoke in me what Lewis described just yesterday as Joy. (How interesting it is that Eros emerges, not merely for my Beloved, but for the story of Lover and Beloved! Even when told in a pagan love…. But I digress.) At first glance I despair—how can I live up to such passion and devotion? Then I remember my distinct advantage: theirs began as a pagan love, while ours is baptized from the beginning.

Still, I feel as if it should make much more of a difference than it has so far.

That’s it, I suppose. Yes, the challenge is not merely how to emulate Van and Davy. It’s how to do them one better! The Shining Barrier is strong—immensely strong—but it must be breached by the Cross for the love to be perfected. How much better if something else is set up—something that furthers the Cause instead of having to eventually yield to it.

Yes, that’s the challenge; I’m certain of it. But as to how…. well I am still bewildered. I would joy over their pagan love, yet I believe something much greater is awaiting me. Christ show His grace to me: I shall search.