What makes a “perfect” marriage?

“No relationship is perfect, but within an imperfect relationship you can still find perfect happiness”

-          Unknown author

We live in a world where social media influences our perspectives on what we think the ideal marriage should look like. We are taught by media that being vulnerable around our spouse is portraying weakness and that expressing true emotions is an “ick”. We have a fairytale image of marriage thrown in our faces, the image of constant romance.

The complexities of real-life are REAL.

The truth is that often you will have to offer understanding to your spouse, you will have to learn to listen, and most importantly you will need to learn to value each other’s opinion.

Throughout the years of marriage there will be many different versions of yourself and your spouse that you will have to learn to love. People do not stay the same.

That same 25-year-old woman that you once were is not the same as the 35-year-old woman you have become..

When you have reached a new chapter in life it can be a challenge- there will be times that patience won’t come easy and offering support during those times can be very difficult.

However, being able to share how you truly feel openly and respectfully with your spouse is crucial.

33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband”.

Ephesians 5:33

Respect your husband.

A solid foundation of trust and love for one another must exist, but it must also include God in every avenue.

“And the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate”.

Mark 10:8-9

How powerful is that verse? Its something to think about when the pressure of the world Is convincing us daily that if the marriage no longer “suits” us, to leave.

As a wife of 10 years, I am thankful that God placed my husband in my life.

I pray for our marriages, God. I pray that you will guide our hearts to always be a respectful spouse to one another. To hear the needs of one another and to put you first in all things. I pray that when we fail, you will soften our hearts towards one another and bring us back closer to one another and to your word.

God, please help us to maintain our playful hearts that attracted us to one another even though we experience the changes of life.

Please continue to bless our marriage, God.

-Amen