It takes time
Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 10:22AM A couple of themes have converged in my life fairly recently.
Charlene and I have been married over 18 years now. I'm not surprised when I talk to other couples who are going through marriage difficulties, because we've been through our share. Maybe more than our share. But I also have a lot of hope because we now have a great marriage. I can't take any credit for it, but I never imagined that marriage would be so enjoyable at this stage. But it's taken time.
I've been at Richview over ten years now, but it's only really felt like home for the past two or so years. For the first eight years, it wasn't all bad, but it was a struggle. Don't get me wrong: we have a long way to go, and there's lots of work to do. But it's taken time to get to the point at which it feels we have some traction and that we're moving (slowly) in the right direction.
I sometimes thought about how easy it would have been to give up during the hard times. I'm glad I didn't. It just takes time.
Reader Comments (4)
From a young husband and a young pastor...thanks for this encouragement, Darryl.
TIme,... and commitment. I am sure there were several points in both relationships at which the temptation to quit was almost overpowering. Sometimes, the fact that we have made a commitment is the only thing that keeps us holding on until the pride, anger, hurt, and disappointment, (whatever,) subsides enough for us to think things through with our hearts as well as our heads. Then, when we can forgive,... ourselves as well as the other party,... we can start to heal the relationship and recommit to making it work. Funny how often the state of my marriage reminds me of my walk with The Lord. Do I fear intimacy, or do I seek it? Do I run to her, or desire to pull away? Do I promote her, or are my needs paramount? Am I aware of my "nakedness" and seek to hide it, or am I innocent and revel in it? Thanks Bro. Made me think, again.
Thank you for this wonderful message of hope and perseverance. Thank you also for the recommendation of 'The heart of a servant leader'. A lady I recommended it to in my church told me last night what a great encouragement reading it has been to her. Grace and peace David
Thank you for sharing! It seems that the journey is always as important as the destination. Blessing,s Ian