As you probably know by now, marriage is difficult, but it’s hard precisely because it’s so important. The marriage relationship is the bedrock of civilization. Everything in life that matters is difficult—marriage is no exception. If it didn’t matter so much, it would be easy. If marriage wasn’t important in God’s economy, it would not be subject to so many spiritual attacks and warfare.
Not only that but developing a deeply intimate marriage relationship is even more difficult. Two separate individuals with different backgrounds, wounds, expectations, and perceptions on life come together and try to meld together as one. As different as males and females are designed physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically, it’s a wonder we are able to relate to one another at all. And yet, there is no more powerful relationship on earth. A strongly committed husband and wife are nearly unbeatable in any situation.
Remember that truth as you go through the trials of life together. Look at your marriage with a long-range vision. Keep the perspective that you are committed to a lifelong relationship with this person and then resolve to do all the things necessary to make that the best relationship it can possibly be. You do this with all the things that are important in your life like your career, your children, or your retirement, don’t you? Why shouldn’t you put that much effort in your most important relationship as well? Most importantly, remember that God has plans for your life and your marriage. Plans you don’t even know about. It’s really not just about you. There are people watching you and your relationship (besides your children) to see how a couple lives life together, what a good marriage looks like, and how to relate effectively to the opposite sex. Be willing to give your all to be the kind of person you yourself would love to be married to.
So we end our journey into the minds and hearts of men and women seeking to find the love, romance, and intimacy we all desire in our relationships. Hopefully you have discovered some things about your spouse, but even more importantly about yourself, that will help you nurture your marriage to become one of joy and satisfaction that lasts a lifetime. Look for the “zones” in your marriage and keep looking at the bigger picture. Appreciate the good times and learn from the struggles. Persevere through the difficulties and commit to a long-term vision of love. There is no other relationship that nurtures, grows, and completes you more than marriage. Nothing instills better health and happiness in people than a good marriage.
And always remember, your marriage matters!