After the honeymoon, marriage can be challenging
"Honor your marriage and its vows ..."
- Hebrews 13:4 (LB)
I attended a wedding on June 7. As 2 p.m. approached, every head in the church turned around in their pew in anticipation of the bridal procession entering the sanctuary.
As the organist struck the precise chord, the bridal team began its march down the aisle. The bride's mother and grandmother proceeded first, wearing festive attire laden with sequins, expressing their joy for the special occasion.
Bridesmaids dressed in satin dresses of salmon color, carrying multicolored flower bouquets, graced the aisle as they clutched the elbow of their groomsman in their matching salmon vests and beige tuxedos.
The darling ring bearer proudly peddled his way toward the alter on an antique tractor bike perfectly suited for the occasion. The endearing flower girl needed some assistance from her parents to make it down the aisle in her teary-eyed state.
The groom remained steadfast to his post as every eye was glued on the bride and her father stepping toward the altar. At first glimpse, everyone gasped as the bride bedazzled the crowd with her gemstone tiara and flowing white gown of satin and sequins. She appeared as if she stepped out of a fairy tale.
Fairy tale moments are the way weddings begin. But how does a couple keep the momentum going?
As the marriage continues, over time, the honeymoon period ends and the couple oftentimes is left with feelings that don't mirror the excitement they once had.
Many times this confusion causes a downward spiral for the two when they are faced with the reality of everyday life. Money issues can threaten to destroy a joyous union. Illness and other calamities that disrupt the flow of a desirable lifestyle dampen the spirits and weaken the vows once exchanged on their special day.
But fairy tales are just that. A Godly family is built on love and Godly principles. Love is about serving within reason and putting the other person first. Discussing a matter with a logical approach rather than arguing about it keeps a home more peaceful.
Learning to agree to disagree when you don't see eye-to-eye keeps the peace. Building each other up with compliments focuses on each other's best.
Making some time for fun activities revives the heart. Remaining persevering and praying and seeking Godly guidance when necessary brings a healthy new perspective and makes the union stronger than ever.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She is available for speaking to your group or church. She can be contacted at (847) 543-8413 or Annetteebudzban@aol.com