MARRIAGE IN DANGER
By Jeanette Berry,
November 1974
Tom and I have been
married over twenty years. I had assumed that there was
undoubtedly a point in marriage where you were over-the-hump and
could just coast along without all the effort necessary to keep
the marriage fresh. Perhaps sometime after the children were
all grown and you have such a backlog of love, memories, and good
experiences, then it would e just smooth sailing into the sunset.
Then...
I just read some
shocking statistics stating that with the exception of the first
three years the highest rate of divorce is among those married
twenty years and longer. That means instead of coasting I am
now in the danger zone and must start putting forth more effort
than ever.
It is said that men
marry for companionship, so I want to be the best companion ever.
Togetherness can be overdone. I can, however love what he
loves, and be interested in his interests. I may not go to
the woods to hunt with him---(he says most women cannot stop
talking long enough), but I can listen with genuine delight as he
tells about "the one that got away." I can console him when
he needs it (which for his is not often) and encourage him without
pushing.
I want to reverence
him. The Amplified Bible defines this as notices, regards,
honors, prefers, venerates, esteem, defer, praises, love, and
admire. This is an attitude that pays the richest of
rewards. In Esther 6:6 King Ahasuerus said, "What shall
be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor?"
It is fun to try to think of ways to honor your husband. One
of the best is to speak so highly of him to your children that
they think he is next to God. He really is, you know.
Speak OF him with honor in your conversations with others.
Speak TO him with honor, then put your words into action.
With honor comes respect and deep love. You must taste and
see.
I want to keep
sweet. In my first yearbook he wrote, "May you always stay
as sweet as you are now." This became a challenge to me.
A quiet sweet spirit is not only important to husband, but God
says this is a quality of great price.
Perhaps you will be
challenged to set some goals for your marriage. The Holy
Spirit can give you the power to be all you should be for His name
sake.
---A happy preacher's wife.
P.S. I cannot
help but wonder if my husband read the same article. He
brought me breakfast in bed the other morning!
Copyright © 2008 Truth Helpers Inc.
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