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On Marriage
The C Word~Commitment
Ladies, what are you expecting this Valentine's Day from your husband or guy friend? It would be interesting to know how many dozens of roses are purchased on Valentine's Day. I'm sure in our world of instant information that trivia fact is as close as the mouse on my computer. Next question ~ what are you planning for your husband?
We think of love and all kinds of giddy feelings come to mind. We may think of our first kiss, or our wedding day, or the birth of our first child. Or it may be that you are on a high right now, just thinking of your spouse or man friend and all he means to you and the way he makes you feel.
Those wonderful deep feelings that make us feel cherished are something special for sure. It makes you wonder where they go when there is a misunderstanding or hurt feelings. What happens when our special guy is late for dinner or when he makes a major purchase and does not get our input? What about when he doesn't help with the kids or he fails to fill the car up, knowing there's an early morning appointment? Where does that "love" feeling go?
I am glad there is a higher level of love than just "feelings". But a woman has to decide for herself if she will take her love to the next level. I think we would agree that most of Hollywood love is based on feelings, making the divorce rate high or making the decision to just live together more acceptable.
In a marriage, commitment says, "I am here for the long haul. We married for keeps." Is it easy? Absolutely not! Joseph Barth once said, "Marriage is a person's biggest, last chance to grow up."
 Looking back over years of a marriage one has to know there were mountains of sacrifices by both individuals. There are many, many marriages that have documented the sheer bliss of having one man or woman in life. When I read these stories and hear of these long marriages, in my mind a beautiful monument is erected to love and the word commitment. I came across one such case a few days ago when I opened my book, I Love You Ronnie, the letters of Ronald Reagan to Nancy Reagan. I share one of them in its entirety here for you.
Dear Mrs. Reagan,
Your loving, faithful devotion has been observed these 19 years. There are no words to describe the happiness you have brought to the Governor. It is not secret that he is the most married man in the world and would be totally lost and desolate without you.
It seemed to me you should know this and be aware of how essential you are in this man's life. By his own admission he is completely in love with you and happier than even a Governor deserves.
With love and appreciation,
Your In Love Governor
I am sure commitment was the glue that held them together through tough times. They, along with others we know, have set a beautiful example for us to follow. Let's put that C-word in gear and make our man feel like the most married man in the world!
NOTE: The February, 2008 issue of HomeLife Magazine has some wonderful articles on how to change your marriage if it seems to be in a state of disrepair. It states, "Fifty percent of all married couples in the United States divorce; that's one out of two. However, of couples who pray together in their homes on a regular basis, only 0.3 percent divorce. That's one out of 300. That reminds me of a verse in Ecclesiastes 4:12 in the Bible that says, "A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." (God, husband, wife) Seek spiritual help if you feel alone in your struggle with your marriage. Don't loose hope.
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"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, and always with the same person."
~ Mignon McLaughlin ~
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