For Better or Worse

How many people have stood before a large congregation stating a vow that begins, "For better or for worse," but what they really mean is, "As long as this is still fun"? The fairy tale of happily ever after is sold to people all over the world as the closing scene of a movie. The problem is the movie ends before the real story begins. Real stories include disagreements of which way the toilet paper comes off the rolls, who is going to wash those dishes, when should we starting having kids (what? you want kids?)

My great grandmother told me, "Happily ever after isn't a fairy tale, it's a full time job." And it truly is. Making a marriage great doesn't come naturally. Learning to be happy with someone through every stage of their life doesn't come naturally. The only part that comes naturally is the initial physical attraction, the rest has to be worked at everyday. Everyday I choose to put my husband above all other people in my life. Some people are offended by this, and few have felt slighted or hurt, but it is necessary if our marriage is going to survive the trying times ahead.

In the beginning of a relationship, everyone gives their significant other the best of their energy and attention. Which is why they end up falling in love. Often, after the marriage vows are said, we stop putting that effort into the other person and the result is falling out of love. Ironic how the thing we most need to do to be happy is usually the thing we assume will make us miserable... but remember how much fun dating was when the relationship was new? Believe it or not it can get back to that point again if you're willing to act like that again.

"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth." Proverbs 5:18