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.
Rubies are rare and precious jewels. Every facet is unique. When they are broken, they can only be restored by the Creator.
3 comments:
Yah, baby.. Yah!
I agree...
OK. I'm not married, but I've learned a lot watching other people.
One thing I've noticed is that people get lazy about their relationship at some point in it... whether it's when they say "I do" or when they have kids or when they retire...
Marriages need to be nurtured, and the weeds need to be pulled regularly so they don't choke out the fruit of the relationship.
There is always room for improvement, as you said. I think if any of our relationships got to the point where they didn't need any work, we'd eventually get bored with them. Couples need to ask hard questions, of each other, of themselves, and of God.
OK. Done rambling about something I have no business butting in to. Great thoughts.
Relationships definitely require work, but I think our generation is conditioned against hard work. Consequently, marriages fall by the wayside, and the divorce rate soars. You can butt in here or any topic you like, Karen. I always enjoy your insights!
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