The majority of my writing urges couples to take better care of their relationships. I highlight many of the challenges the couples I coach are dealing with currently. I utilize this platform to warn married couples of the dangers of relaxing, not putting forth the effort and not making sacrifices. Sometimes, that can seem a bit overwhelming to a single person with the hopes of settling down someday. I hope I’m not sending the wrong message about marriage, but I always want the conversation to be honest. I mostly need people to know that marriage is one of the most serious commitments we make in our lives and it won’t work if we aren’t willing to work.
With that being said, I wanted to make sure I also spent some time highlighting the joys of marriage. Here are a few we don’t always hear couples share.
1. Marriage is pleasing to God. We are reminded of this in the following scriptures. In Proverbs 18:22 it states “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord”. and in Hebrews 13:4 it says “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous”.
2. Marriage is a life adventure for two. It’s an awesome feeling to know you have someone to love you, kiss you, hold you and support you. I look forward to sharing my day with my husband. He’s the first person I think about when something amazing happens to me. He really is my best friend. I trust him with my everything; my body, my dreams and our future. Knowing you have a partner to ride along this journey with brings a sense of security and peace.
3. Marriage allows us to spoil the one we love. Whether you’re the one who cooks, cleans or balances the budget, your actions are meeting the needs of the person you love. Whatever you contribute is to ensure your partner is cared for in that area. Each of us has a need to feel special to someone.
4. Marriage empowers us to quench our sexual appetite as often as we’d like. Don’t you just love having the option to be as freaky and kinky as you like with one partner? It’s wonderful to be sexually vulnerable with the person you love and trust.
5. Marriage provides an opportunity to share some heavy responsibilities. Raising children, paying bills, cleaning and managing a home is hard work. Having a partner to share in those daily tasks definitely lightens the load and removes the stress that comes along with each.
6. Marriage makes the tougher days a lot easier to bear. It feels so amazing to have a constant shoulder to lean on when things don’t quite go our way. Life is challenging but it’s easier when you have someone to help carry the burden.
7. Marriage gives us someone to look good and feel good for. There’s nothing sweeter than knowing I have someone who’s physically attracted to me and who is checking me out, daily. It’s easy to relax, but remembering our need to maintain that attraction is a must for all married folks.
8. Marriage supplies us with an instant cheering squad. My husband is my biggest supporter. It is refreshing to know we have someone who is constantly rooting for our success and encouraging us to reach our truest potential.
9. Marriage (a healthy one) provides hope to our communities. Our children, family and friends are all observing our marriages. There is a certain level of hope it offers to those who still believe in the power of love. It’s flattering when you realize someone may be patterning their relationship after yours.
10. Marriage strengthens us while preparing us for the world. Even when our relationships are stressful, there is a lesson to be gained, and an opportunity to grow. During the tests and trials is when we learn how strong we really are. Marriage allows us to sharpen our communication muscles, our listening skills and the patience to deal with another human being. I show up better in the other areas of my life as a result of who I’ve become as a wife.
While married folks should never brag on being married, we should also never downplay it or give the impression that it isn’t worth the effort. I have learned that it is worth every ounce of energy I supply.
BMWK, what would you say is one of the joys of marriage?