Celebrate,or Not

Summer is wedding season, so consequently, it's anniversary season too. I've been noticing several Facebook status updates that are celebrating several years of marriage. From 1 to 5 to 50, no matter how many years you've been married, it is a cause to reflect. Notice I didn't say a cause for celebration.

All marriages should not be celebrated. I am not one who believes that one should celebrate simply because you are still together. I saw many examples growing up of marriages that I didn't want for my own.

I'm sure I've said this before, "love is not enough". For us, the 3 stranded-cord is the key. (Ecc. 4:12) God + the 2 of us all bonded eternally together. When God is not at the top of our list and the center of everything, our balance is off, and our world spins out of control. Oh, but when we're in sync with His plans for us, there is purpose and a quiet peace that can only be found by resting in His will.

I'm a horrible cynic about weddings in general. I've been to more than my share and wondered what the bride and groom were thinking and how long it would be until I heard of an impending divorce. Please don't think I want any marriage to fail, because you know that's not the case, but I do think some are doomed before they even get started.

This year we reached the 10 year mark. I've been doing a lot of reflecting. I wish I could say that my reflections showed perfection and no room for improvement. Not even close. There are things that I need to improve.

I want to strive to have a wondrous marriage that demands to be celebrated. I desire to be a worthy example to all who come into contact with us. I need to be an open book, what you see is what you get. No pretense. No surprises. After watching the dissolution of the Gores' marriage after over 40 years, I realize that we are not invincible.

No one truly knows what goes on inside the four walls of a marriage. There may be hurts that go unspoken and secrets that remain undiscovered. There might be loneliness and despair unparalleled. If you are married, pray together daily. If you aren't, pray for someone who is. Marriages are under attack, and only God can truly bind a husband to His wife. Let's make our marriages ones worthy of celebration.

I Know What I'm Doing

In a world of so much chaos, I'm thankful that I serve the God of the universe. The same One who calmed the sea and raised the dead. I'm so thankful that He knows my name and hears my thoughts. I'm glad that the number of hairs on my head is known by Him. I'm grateful that He doesn't leave me even when I try to leave Him. I'm grateful that He never leaves me. I feel safe knowing that He has all of my steps marked out. If only I could trust Him implicitly.

Tonight I pray for more faith. I'm at a huge crossroads in my life right now, and I know that God is calling me to step outside of my comfort zone and out on faith. I'm being lured away from my safety net and into His waiting arms. Follow me because I will never lead you astray. I know the plans that I have for you. I know what I am doing. I am the Alpha and Omega. I love you, and I know all about you. Take up your cross and follow Me. Lord, strengthen my faith, and let me trust you and you alone as I take this next step. Amen.