In our work with couples, we see faltering and failing marriages because one mate has chosen to seek “greener grass” with someone else.
Love
In 1957 the two couples pictured above said their vows before God and man committing to persevere in marriage and remain fully committed to their spouse.
Theologian Martin Luther said “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.” Conversely, without it, why put forth the effort to even try to do something?
Have you ever had someone say, “I believe in you” and then follow their words up with ongoing support? You may be able to think of a handful of people through your life who have done so—and you know how far their words carried you.
How safe is your marriage? Is it a refuge from the storms of life or do the storms break loose in the home? Each spouse is responsible for making the relationship safe.
What are your expectations for your marriage? Do you expect your marriage to thrive? Do you desire to grow closer to God together? Do you want to connect at ever-deeper levels as a couple?
Imagine for a moment a book where you can write down all of the wrongs done to you by your spouse. What would you see written on the pages of that book? Is it a long list filling a page?
Are you an irritable spouse? It’s easy to give ourselves a pass when we feel irritable, isn’t it? We tell ourselves, “Everyone gets cranky now and then. I’m just having one of ‘those’ days.
The character Veruca Salt was immortalized for her selfish attitude in the original “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” movie when she yelled, “I want it NOW!”
Watch any sitcom for more than five minutes and you will hear rude comments and see arrogant behavior permeate the show. Why? Because our society has bought into the belief that pride and put-downs are funny and the laugh tracks prompt us to agree.