Monday, February 2, 2009

Marriage Monday...

The Surprise of Christian Marriage

Chrysalis' instructions: Fire up your keyboard and tell us something that really rocked your world after you got married. Was it a blessing? Or a disappointment? Was it something you were completely unprepared for? Tell us how you handle the unexpected in your relationship.


There were many surprising things about marriage. I thought it would take me forever to get used to sleeping with someone so close. I always had my own bed growing up...so it was weird bumping into someone in my sleep. Now, I can't sleep when he's gone! I also found it surprising how high he could jump when I put my cold feet on him! HE he he! Not surprising, this is something I LOVE about being married...a built in electric blanket/husband. I tease him and tell him that's why I married him!

I was surprised at how much children rocked our world. It was HARD...and he'll tell you it got exponentially harder with each child. We found out we are really selfish, mean when we don't get enough rest, and that exhaustion doesn't bring out the best in us. But, I was also surprised to see how awesome of a Daddy he is and how helpful he is around the house.

I don't handle the unexpected very well. Case in point, I used to get REALLY angry when he was late coming home. I still do on occasion but I've really tried to "be prepared" to prevent this nasty development. Some of things that surprise you are your own "uglies." You can hide them effectively from most of the world but your spouse will find out...and see them for what they are...UGLY!

That leads me to the spiritual surprises in our marriage. We've really grown together...in Christ. We've been forced, through circumstance and trial, to really delve into our Bibles and learn what God says about all sorts of things. It's been surprising to see what the other is learning. It is awesome to share our blessings and our struggles together. This is not something that happened over night but has developed into something I truly cherish!

Ecc. 4:9-12 "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.
Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but
how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

11 comments:

Miriam Pauline said...

Great post. Bless you for sharing.

Constance said...

Children while being a blessing are definitely a stress factor! My Hub was a bachelor until he was 31 and when we married I had 2 girls. It was difficult for him at times because he went from having solitary time to a house full of females!

Just when I think I have it altogether, the "uglies" come out too. Spending time in the Word and prayer is so crucial for that reason. I have found that the Holy Spirit checks me almost immediately and I have to ask for forgiveness for something that was said or done. I am not as "in tune" when the relationship has distance in it, I don't hear the Holy Spirit's conviction as clearly.

The more I think about the intimacy of marriage I believe that THAT was at the heart of God's design. As enjoyable as sex in marriage is, it's the soul connection that we are desperate for and need so badly!
Connie

Joyfull said...

Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing today. I also deal with "the uglies" that try to pop up! With God's grace, love will shine through.

Denise said...

Such a nice post, be blessed.

Unknown said...

Hi MomE,

So very nice to meet you.... I LOVED your post...Some of things that surprise you are your own "uglies." You can hide them effectively from most of the world but your spouse will find out...and see them for what they are...UGLY! ... Wow, do you have this exactly right on...

This is a wonderful tribute to your husband and to a marriage centered in Jesus. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with me and everyone at Marriage Monday. Have a blessed week. Love and hugs, Lynn

Susannah said...

It's so exciting that you are growing together in your faith. And oh yes, children do add unexpected stress to every marriage. Lol, I can relate to this: I thought it would take me forever to get used to sleeping with someone so close.

Beautiful wedding photos! And thanks for joining us for Marriage Monday today.

Pastor D said...

Amen, kiddo!

The secret to being committed to your spouse is to first be committed to Christ.

You and your husband have the only really solid foundation for marriage. I praise God for you both.

Donetta said...

Great post. Yes kids do add a lot.
We were married 16 years before we adopted our daughter (from Russia). She is special needs as is our son who came home to us at 10 months through another adoption (Russia) .
We were like retired folk going into parenting . That being of two special needs kids.
Keeping the marriage healthy is vital. We are both so blessed to have good daddy's for our young ones.
Next month we will be celebrating our 27 years of wed, with a 11 year old and a 7 ear old. All around us our peers have grand kids.
We Thrive on the gifts of being parents!

Cathy said...

Amen sista!!! I've been dealing with my own uglies this week! Thanks for sharing, that was an encouragement to me!

Anonymous said...

Well said! I can totally relate! Still working on those uglies! And I love putting my ice cold feet on Corey in the bed! hehe

Shelley Fuge said...

Um yeah. I use to get angry when Jon was late. But I have gotten SO MUCH better! :-) Glad to hear I'm not the only one.