It takes two to make a marriage work, doesn’t it?
Yes, and no–but mostly yes. Let me explain.
This afternoon Michael and I got to talking about the yard. Our deck is wonderful, but to tell you the truth it’s a little bit squishy. Since we put a dining table and chairs out there, we haven’t had room for the patio furniture, like the orange lounge chair that I love to sink into on warm afternoons.
Everything is pushed tightly together and it’s a little uncomfortable to sit out there with friends.
And so we’ve decided to build a second level at the bottom of the stairs. Nothing too fancy–just a little deck space to set up our table and chairs.
When I say that “we” decided to build it, I was kind of hoping that Michael would take on the project himself. He’s a great carpenter who did a marvelous job on our wooden sidewalk.
But Michael has a different plan in mind–he wants us to build it together.
“I’m not going to be all that much help,” I said. “I’m terrible when it comes to that kind of stuff.”
Michael’s response? Oh–that man knows how to sweet talk this girl…
“Even if you’re just sitting out there on a chair drinking ice tea and watching me work,” he said, “that’s enough. I just don’t want to do it alone.”
My heart grew two sizes right there.
So that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to build it together. I might drink a few glasses of ice tea, but surely I can also haul boards and hammer a few nails. If he’s not expecting too much–I’m the perfect girl for the job! *smile*
One of the most important things that we can do in building our marriage is to do things together. Whether we’re building a deck, playing ball with the kids or sitting around the house, together is our favorite place to be.
Building together, that’s the way marriage should be, right?
I do hope it’s that way, and I pray it’s that way in your home.
But there’s always concern. And there are questions. What happens when you’re the only one putting the effort into your marriage? How can a marriage possibly succeed if the other partner isn’t doing their part? It takes two to make a marriage work, doesn’t it?
Absolutely. And if you are praying for your marriage than you can be certain without a doubt that you aren’t the only one doing the work. God plus you equals two. You’re not in this alone.
I’m not saying that it’s a good place to be. Absolutely not. But the reality is that some marriages are that way. Some people keep giving and giving without getting anything from their spouse in return, which is why it’s so important that while we’re down on our knees praying, our hope is steadfast on the Lord.
All good things come through Him and by Him. He is the one who rewards our faith.
God doesn’t expect us to do all of the work. He just wants us to be there beside Him while He’s doing His.
What do you say, can you build this together?
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. – Galatians 6:9 KJV
You are loved by an almighty God,
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