Marriage Monday, on a Tuesday--Speak Your Support

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It is another Marriage Monday, again hosted by the lovely Chrysalis. This month, in honor of it still being summer, she states, “let’s keep it light and easy with an open topic about anything you want to write about marriage.”

I appreciate the thought. But right now, my summer is not light, nor easy. Work issues are not being resolved. Church issues are frustrating at best. Illness in extended family is worrying. Friends are struggling greatly. Light and easy are not parts of our vocabulary.

In spite of all that, I would venture that our marriage is probably stronger than it has ever been. When the stresses of life bear down, marital strength becomes more complex and more necessary. We have found that there is no one else to lean on during these times. We refuse to speak of our specific frustrations to others because that would only denigrate the character of others. It has long been my contention that spouses should always be the first and primary support of one another in times of trouble, sometimes you become the only support.

We have been in this spot for a while. Nevertheless, a few nights ago, German interjected into an unrelated conversation, “thanks for putting up with all my work junk.” He does not have to thank me. I would readily walk any path he needs to walk with him. But it was nice to hear it. Sometimes we need to hear that what we are doing makes a difference.

So, that is my encouragement to you this month. If you are not finding life “light and easy,” if you are experiencing more “worse” than “better,” if you are struggling and your spouse is struggling along with you, take a few moments to acknowledge that you see the sacrifice they are making. It could make all the difference in the world.