i know that comparisons lead to nothing for me. and probably anyone. if i look at another marriage that seems healthy, healthier than mine, it leads to discontentment. if i look at a marriage or life situation that seems harder than ours, it can lead to pride. either way, i'm doomed in comparison.
and when it comes to marriage, it seems like we're all so totally different. what ian and i struggle with is different than our brother and sister. some marriages have relational harmony what seems like all the time and others are wrought with conflict. the more i talk to girlfriends, the more i learn that God has an array of ways that he prunes and pursues us in marriage. for some, it may be through prosperity - which can do scary things to our hearts. for others, their marriage is a constant battle through conflict, differing personalities, unmet expectations and loss of romantic feelings.
but it seems, in our tiny little experience of marriage so far, that those marriage, that spend their lives battling, battling and battling, are simply so beautiful. because when those marriages last, through what the world wouldn't, it is like a megaphone to the world of God's design. when those covenants are kept, the rewards in heaven must be great.
i&l
10 comments:
Covenants kept...yes, sweet words to my ears! :)
Warmly,
Katy
Beautiful! I often feel like in my marriage, we are in conflict far too often. I never thought about what a testimony it will be to God as we continue to celebrate our anniversary year after year.
I do hope so. I believe they must. What started off as a passionate sweet marriage has turned into..yes, conflict. Mostly in my own heart. Even when others look like they may have it better, it is quite possible they don't. God has allowed many things in this marriage of mine to keep me close to Him. Many things I see and want to be different, and yet day after day, they do not change. Like you, I do try not to dwell on it and compare, as it leads this weary heart astray. I pray and seek God and believe He is allowing all of this for some reason. I must open these hands and takes what He gives. And still love.
Really agree. And it's true for the single/married thing as well - as a single it can be too easy to think that marriage solves everything when it can just be a different set of challenges. Both states have their wonderful things and their challenging things.
You hit the nail on the head. Comparing can leadto some slippery slopes. Make it a good day! Carline
What an encouraging post. Yes, you guessed it..I'm in the midst of one of those marriages that has been battling, battling, battling. I praise God for the covenant of marriage because I know I would never have made it this far without that covenant. And, yes, I am amazed at all that God is teaching me about Himself and about my own heart through this trial. And about His grace...that is for every day! Not just our day of salvation. And a right understanding of that grace can pour forth grace to others. Thank you so much for your view point.
Beautiful and encouraging words, Larissa. Can I share our battling story? I hope for reward in heaven. http://wp.me/p2yxe2-9Z
I hope these thoughts will take up at least a chapter in your book...such important and challenging words that so many of us need to hear! Thank you!
Thanks for your inspiration of joyfully keeping covenant in the midst of difficulty. I've been blessed in my marriage in ways I never fathomed possible, AND God has allowed denied expectations and disappointment in the same degree. Guess both are needed to keep me seeking Him. Keep sharing, u both r so inspiring!
Thank you. I needed to read this.
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