The Meaning of Romance – Sunday, June 9, 1940
We have with us again the month of June, in which many things, traditionally, begin and end – it is the month of weddings when young men and women begin life together; the month of graduation when sheltered school days end, and the real business of making a living begins; it is the month of spring’s departing and of summer’s coming. And since It is June, perhaps something should be said concerning romance.
When we reach that time when we no longer like to hear about romance, It is a sign that age has set in, or at least is not far off. But romance means different things to different people. To some – perhaps especially to the very young, it means moonlight and gardenias and soft music. All this is part of it, no doubt. But the real and lasting substance of romance is this – Making a home where none has been before; making something to grow where once there was barrenness; rearing a family where once there was no laughter of children; using one’s creative powers to make a place in the world despite all the discouragement and apparent lack of opportunity; accomplishing something worthwhile in spite of all obstacles; creating jobs for others; living according to the best rules of life; dealing with men in kindness and approaching the things of God with humility, and at length looking back upon the long journey with the knowledge of having overcome many things and having endured to the end. Valley Forge was romance even though it meant cold and hunger and hardships and sickness and death – yet there was a glorious cause at stake and a glorious manhood to defend it. There are vital causes crying for character and manhood in this land of ours today. It’s going to be difficult and glorious to see them through – but of such is the substance of romance, of which we speak for the ears of youth as another June is upon us.
June 9, 1940
Broadcast Number 0,564