Marriage - Saving the Best Until Last

When Matt and I were in pre-marital counseling, our mentor gave us an example that shaped our view on taking care of our marriage relationship.   He said that marriage is like a garden.  You only get out of it what you put in; you must take time to pull the weeds; when you stop working on it, it will no longer produce; etc. etc. with the analogies.  It may seem silly, but we took it as solid advice and a very practical measuring stick for us to come back to over the years.

Every Friday we travel up to the northern most Emirate to attend a new church start.  On the way up, we pass a house on top of a sand dune in the middle of the dessert.  Over the past 2 years we have watched the family consistently seed, water, and care for their property.  Now, after all their effort, time and expense, the entire "hill" is green.  It is like an oasis stop in the middle of their brown world.  It is a marvel really...a wonderful "feat" to have accomplished.  Today, our question for them is, "Now what?"  Will they continue to keep it green or will they grow weary of the process?

Here is a portion of a devotional that I read recently: 

John 2:9-10 says, "Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, 'Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.'"  

The excitement of a wedding gets marriages started off on the right foot.  Through the honeymoon stage, it's all love and kisses.  But not even the best of marriages can maintain that high note.  There are peaks and valleys, good times and hard times, the highest of highs and difficult, daunting challenges far greater than ever imagined.  What to do , then, when the wine of love runs out?  Perhaps the best advice comes from what Mary said to the servants:  "Do whatever he (Jesus) tells you."  How could any couple possibly do better than that?  And the reward?  As virtually all married couples can attest, through good times and bad the Master of miracles saves the very best till last.

F. LaGard Smith The Daily Bible Devotional Book

I have never looked at the story of Jesus changing the water to wine in respect to what a long faithful, fruitful marriage should look like.  It just seemed to be about the wedding and how amazing Jesus is.  However, it would seem there is truly more to take away.  If in our marriages we take the advice of Mary and "do whatever Jesus tells us", WOW the power and fruit that will come of them.

Matt and I can testify that our garden of marriage is more abundant now than it was 18 years ago.  We can also share that pulling weeds and watering is a lot of work and sometimes seems exhausting in difficult circumstances.   However, what a beautiful reward to be able to sit in our "retirement home" one day and drink of the wine produced from the grapes of a well tended garden.  

May we endeavor to keep the grass green as we look to Christ to show us where we need to grow in our rolls as husband and wife.

Happy Valentine's Day!  AT

PS:  On a silly note:  I think this is funny!

 

Just Sitting is O.K.

Well the move is over.  That is not to say that there is not a list a mile long of things that need to be done, fixed, replaced, etc.  I am just taking joy in the fact that all the boxes are out of the house and everything has found a new "spot" to take up residence. (even if that "spot" is a pile in a comer with other "like items")

One of the great things about our new place, is the fact that it has a room that we have been able to make into a bedroom for the babies.  It has been great having them in with Matt and I for the past 8 months.  I think it has helped with bonding and with all the transitions; however, they are at a good place emotionally to have their own space.  One thing is for sure, their "stuff" needs to find its own "home". 

It is amazing how much one can collect in such a short period of time!  We have even been purposeful in trying to keep things at a "need" only in-take, but things have worked their way in anyway.  (point aside - we do feel so blessed in how much others have given to help us!!)

As I sat on the floor trying to sort through and organize the nursery, I had to keep taking someone off my lap and giving them a toy.  I was beginning to get frustrated when I stopped and looked into Micah's eyes.  I almost cried at what I read in them.  He didn't want the toys.  He wanted ME!  I have been so busy with other things - though important and needed jobs - that I hadn't taken many opportunities to just rock and hold anyone.

We can give our kids all sorts of things from electronics to puzzles, but in the end, from our teens to our toddlers, all they really want is us = uninterrupted, focused TIME!

How true is that even in our relationship with our heavenly Father!  We have Bible apps and Christian movies; devotionals; commentaries; topical books; online lessons; study groups; fellowships and meetings with other Believers...but one of the most critical things is being alone with Him.  NOT with our "toys" - but just sitting in His lap. 

I read a funny ditty the other day.  It said, "If you want to hear from God, read His Word.  If you want to hear audibly from God, read His Word out-loud!" 

I do believe that God speaks in other ways.  He has in my life.  However, it is so important that we simply spend regular time "curled up" in the lap of His Word.  He is speaking to us, guiding us, comforting us, instructing us, etc.

So despite what all the "health nuts" and personal trainers are telling us....Just sitting is O.K.  In fact it is quite beneficial to us in so many ways. 

AT