This blog is about NOT becoming the 97% of Americans....the average, the norm, the EXPECTED.
So today, I want to talk marriage. What is the norm? What is the expected American marriage? Well, let's see. Life expectancy of a marriage is less than 50%. Those that are still married might not actually be doing so well, and they might be on a second or third marriage. Its not just statistics, its real people. Look around you. Look at 10 people close to you. How many are HAPPILY married? Shocking, huh?
An uncommon marriage, therefore, HAS to be different. I know when I set out to be married, I joked with my husband that he was stuck with me forever. Divorce was not an option. I SET out to have an uncommon marriage. I believe GOD blessed us for this. I am not trying to boast or brag, but to point out that it takes TWO people striving for something different to actually even have a chance at accomplishing it. I know too many friends and acquaintances that ALLOW their kids or careers to come BEFORE their marriage. That is a recipe for disaster! Yes, sometimes they make it. But at what cost? Are they close with their spouse? Are they best friends? What happens when the kids are grown or they retire? Is there anything in common anymore?
It is HARD work to stay IN love! Too many people allow their hearts to LEAD them to love, and every little fancy to turn their eye. Or they allow their head to lead, thinking that is what is needed. I am not perfect, but I say, LEAD with PRAYER! Ask GOD to show you. Do you pray for your spouse? What do the Psalms say? Delight in the wife of your youth! Remember WHY you fell in love in the first place. Women, we have all heard it, and it is true, men are visual. So give them something to LOOK at! Men, we women are emotional creatures; you know it, so give us what we want...time, a hug, a CONNECTION, eye to eye contact. These are basic suggestions, but in order for your marriage to be fruitful and happy, you need to work at it. Do you ACTIVELY seek forgiveness for offenses and offer it too? Do you KNOW what your spouse's love language is? Too many of us "speak" with our love language, with what makes US tick, instead of finding what makes them tick. There are so many good books on this stuff! The Five Love Languages are excellent books, along with The Power of a Praying WIfe and 101 Great Nights of Romance. Hey! Don't knock it till you try it! 101 Great Nights of Romance is an excellent book because it creates action! Some of the stuff in the book might be a little too risque for you. That is fine, don't do those. The point is DO something.
I believe there is a real battle for our men. Satan would have us believe that it is just the world we live in. I do not fall for his LIE! Women, we need to fight for our men, and our marriages. Men, you too. If you are not fighting, then you have already lost. FIGHT for what you want. Inaction and indecision really IS a decision and an action. Think about it. Do you have what it takes for an UNCOMMON marriage?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
