Simply put, marriage is the union of a man and a woman to become husband and wife. Permit me to remind you that the creator of the whole universe is also interested in marriage, and that's why He instituted it. He went ahead to promise us in the scripture that whoever finds a wife will find a good thing and obtain favor from Him. So knowing that God is the originator of marriages, making Him the bedrock of your union is the sure way to go in order to easily walk past the rocky path that usually shows up in marriages at one point or another.
The image is mine
Do you also remember this popular saying that a wedding is an event while marriage is a journey? Whoever originally made this statement was absolutely right. It's been 8 years of my experience with marriage, and I must tell you that marriage is a good thing that can happen to anyone, especially when you find that your better half compliments you in so many things.
I think marriage is a beautiful thing; however, it takes mature minds to work out their marriages. Maturity in handling things comes with marriage, not maturity in age. Many people fear getting married due to the terrible experiences they have observed among couples. Nowadays, the rate at which couples separate and file for divorce is alarming, and I kept questioning the happenings. What went wrong? Was it not love that brought them together in the first place? Are they not compatible in the first place? Are they not supposed to be friends coming together as husband and wife? Is it the environment that influenced any of the partners? Or infidelity took over, or perhaps financial crises? All these questions and more are what normally fly into my mind; however, I must admit that my marriage isn't perfect. In fact, it's not in any way close to perfection.
Imagine two different adults who were raised in different family backgrounds with different family cultures coming together to live under one roof forever?. Of course there will be differences and disagreements, but all in all, I have come to understand that love is one major reason why a man and a woman should agree to stay together for the rest of their lives. It's this same love that will help one to tolerate his or her partner's weakness and stand firm with them amidst all raging storms. You can agree or disagree with me that a lot of people marry for different reasons, love excluded! And that's why little issues shake their marriages, and they will be talking about separation, which might lead to divorce.
Permit me also to remind you that love conquers all. A man or a woman who loves you for marriage is automatically a good friend as well, and a good friend wouldn't inflict pain in your life. A good friend will forgive you easily without referring to your past life each time an issue arises. A good friend wouldn't leave you when you experience terminal diseases of any kind. He or she wouldn't leave you because the money isn't there anymore or perhaps you got into big trouble, and that's why it's important to marry your friend and the one whom you know loves you unconditionally.
Is marriage everything I thought it would be? What was different?
Not at all; sincerely, I was thinking that getting married means entering into paradise forever 😃 No one told me that it goes beyond procreation and love in the garden 🏡. I didn't realize that things can turn from good to bad at some point. I was only fantasizing about the positive aspect alone, but it was totally different. Do you know that I was thinking that my husband will always agree to whatever I Wishes because he loves me so dearly?. I forgot that as the head of the family, I have to respect his instructions most of the time. Who will ever tell me that I will become a stay-at- home mom at this time in my life, and I will believe the person? But my plans changed that faithful morning..Hubby gave me 1001 reasons why it should be so for the main time. It's been sacrifices all along!
What has being married taught me?
Marriage has taught me more about sacrifice, support, caring, hard work, and more. I have been experiencing a lot in my marriage, which keeps shaping me into a better version of myself. Working hard 24 hours a day to become supportive in my home and in other less privileged homes. Seeing other pregnant mothers in difficult situations, I quickly put their shoes in mine and supported them to the best of my ability. Indeed, all I see from this marriage about my life is a different "Nkem" for good. I no longer think about myself alone but others as well, whether my own family or an outside family.
In conclusion, despite all the odds encountered in marriage, I think it's worth all the troubles, especially being with the right partner.
Cheers to a beautiful marriage to all married and intending couples!
Much love from here❤️.
This post was inspired by the #hivelearners community on the topic titled "marriage."