I think marriage is all about timing.

O Children of the Future, listen closely to the wise words of Cate Blanchett, who speaks with insight on a subject as old as time itself—marriage. She says, "I think marriage is all about timing." In these simple yet profound words, Blanchett invites us to reflect on the mysterious and often unpredictable nature of love and union. Marriage, she suggests, is not merely a matter of choice or desire, but of opportunity, circumstance, and the delicate balance of timing. It is a dance between two souls that must meet not only in emotion, but in the perfect alignment of life's circumstances, where the right person meets the right moment.

In the ancient world, O Children, the Greeks understood that timing was central to the ebb and flow of life. In Homer’s epics, the concept of kairos—the right moment, the opportune time—was celebrated as a force that guided the fates of heroes and gods alike. The Greeks believed that even in matters of the heart, timing played a significant role. The fates themselves wove the threads of destiny, often determining when two lives would intertwine, not by the will of the individuals, but by the will of the cosmos. The timing of events was seen as a key force in shaping the world—nothing could be rushed or forced, for the gods themselves moved in cycles and seasons, and so too did human life.

Consider, O Children, the story of Phaedra and Theseus, two tragic figures in Greek mythology. Their story was not merely one of love, but of timing and fate’s cruel hand. Phaedra fell in love with her stepson, Hippolytus, a love that was born not of the right timing but of torment and uncontrollable desire. The consequences of their ill-fated union were devastating, a reminder that timing—not just passion—is necessary for harmony in love. The ancient Greeks understood that marriage and union must be entered into with a sense of rightness in the timing, for when that timing is off, even the purest of intentions can lead to discord and tragedy.

Cate Blanchett's reflection on timing in marriage speaks to the truth that love is not simply a matter of commitment or romance, but of circumstance and the paths our lives take. Timing in marriage is like a flower blooming at the right moment—if the season is wrong, the bloom never appears. In the modern world, we often believe that love can conquer all and that marriage is the end goal of any romantic journey. However, the reality is that a successful marriage requires not only love and respect, but the right conditions for that love to flourish. It demands that both people come to the union when they are ready—not just emotionally, but also in a place in their lives where they can truly understand and support one another.

Think, O Children, of the great love story of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, two individuals whose timing in marriage was impeccable. Victoria, a young queen, met Albert when they were both relatively young, and while their union began as an arranged match, it quickly blossomed into one of mutual love and respect. Their marriage lasted for over 20 years, and they had a deep, shared understanding of the roles they each played in each other’s lives. Their timing was aligned with not only their emotional readiness but with the needs of the monarchy, and their union became a model of successful partnership. Victoria and Albert's story teaches us that marriage can be a place of growth and fulfillment when the time is right—when two people are both prepared to grow together, not out of necessity, but out of shared commitment.

Yet, O Children, timing is not always in our control. Life often moves in unexpected directions, and sometimes even the best-laid plans can be altered by circumstances beyond our control. Cate Blanchett’s words offer us a powerful reminder that while timing in marriage is important, it is equally important to recognize that the right time does not always come easily. The lesson here is not to wait for perfection, but to embrace the timing that life offers us, to trust in the natural progression of events, and to remain open to the possibility that love and commitment can still flourish, even if the timing doesn’t feel perfect at first.

The lesson, O Children, is clear: marriage is a union of hearts, but also of circumstances and timing. Love, while powerful, is not always enough to guarantee the success of a union. It requires that both partners come together in a moment when they are ready—not just in love, but in every aspect of their lives. Timing is not something we can control, but it is something we must respect. When we enter into a union, we must do so with the understanding that the timing will shape the outcome, and that there is wisdom in trusting the flow of life, even when it is difficult to understand.

So, O Children, as you journey through life, remember that marriage is not only a matter of choosing the right person, but of understanding when the time is right to build a life together. Trust in the natural rhythms of life, and know that the best moments often come when we surrender to the timing that is given to us. The world will tell you that love is all that matters, but the ancient wisdom reminds us that without the right timing, even the greatest love may never bloom. Be patient, be wise, and when the time is right, build a life of joy, respect, and partnership, for it is in these moments that true love and fulfillment can truly flourish.