Looking back on those days when I was just a young woman stepping into marriage, I see this: what I said I expected and what I really expected were two different things.
What I planned on was spending the rest of my life with my best friend, what I didn’t foresee was that my love for this man would bring me to the cross time and again.
There’s something about the character of antiques that takes our breath away. They are unique, of precious value, and have stood the test of time. So it is with love that is preserved by a couple who care enough about their marriage to value its worth.
How do you preserve the worth of something so precious when the wear and tear of this world are bringing it down? You put the cross at the center of your marriage.
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” ~ Luke 9:23, KJV
The bumps in our marriage however big or small have always been surrounded by selfish ambition and pride. But when I move pride aside to make room for patience, understanding and kindness I see two hearts molding together as one.
Philippians 2 tells us to put on the mind of Christ, which tells me that I need to start thinking like Him who humbled Himself before man.
“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” ~ Philippians 2:7, KJV
With that said, I’d like to add this: servant-hood isn’t about washing dishes or doing someone’s laundry–any dry cleaner or maid service can do that. It stems from a place in our heart where we give up our right to be “right,” for the good of our marriage.
Keeping house and making good meals for our family is an extension of that love, but it isn’t the root and never should be. A flower without root soon withers away, but one firmly planted has long-lasting beauty.
This Friday as we remember the crucifixion of our Lord, I challenge you to take on the heart of a servant who humbled Himself before God and man.
You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene
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