Marriage is not dead

Everywhere I turn there’s another article, blog post or magazine cover story questioning the importance, relevance or necessity of marriage. Enough!

Just a few months ago, our church did a series called “Love Songs” and the very first sermon was about making a case for marriage. Of the three points, one that truly stuck with me was the fact there are some experiences in life you just won’t have unless you are married. And I don’t mean a wedding or co-signing a mortgage, but the experience of sharing your life with someone. In a marriage, you know your spouse has your back, is committed to you and will be at your side for all those amazing – and not so amazing – times.

Having been married 10 years, I believe can speak with some authority on this subject. I love the fact I often know what my husband is thinking without even looking at him. I love that we share inside jokes and can make each other laugh. Well, you argue, unmarried people make each laugh. True, but our joys, sorrows and special moments run deep. They stem from a connection and a commitment and that – at least to me – makes all those moments extra special. It’s easy to laugh during the good times, but I know my husband will stick with me during the hard times, the times when I’m struggling and not so easy to live with.

Anything worth having takes work. Like your career, raising good children or developing a relationship with God, these don’t just happen. You shoulder a large part of the responsibility and marriage is the same way. It takes some effort but, as our pastor pointed out, it comes with a great benefits package.