Amy and I collect many favorite quotes about marriage that have inspired us, encouraged us, and even adjusted the way we think about marriage. This quote by Eugene Peterson needs to be read and embraced by everyone who wants to have a durable and beautiful marriage. The marriage we all hope for and want doesn't happen by just walking down an aisle and reciting vows, but it's something that takes a lifetime to achieve. Imagine cultivating a marriage over a lifetime filled with love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and faithfulness; a marriage where we learn to listen, give unselfishly, love with tenderness, laugh & enjoy each other. A great marriage is a lifelong pursuit and glorious achievement, but it is worth it.
"When I talk with people who come to me in preparation for marriage I often say, "Weddings are easy; marriages are difficult." The couple wants to plan a wedding; I want to plan a marriage. They want to know where where the bridesmaids will stand; I want to develop a plan for forgiveness. They want to discuss the music of the wedding; I want to talk about the emotions of the the marriage. I can do a wedding in twenty minutes with my eyes shut; a marriage takes year after year after year of alert, wide eyed attention. Weddings are important. They are beautiful; they are impressive; they are emotional; sometimes they are expensive...But marriages are complex and difficult. In marriage we work out in every detail of life the promises and commitments spoken in the wedding. In marriage we develop the long and rich life of faithful love that the wedding announces. It hardly matters if the man and woman dress up in their wedding clothes and re-enact the ceremony every anniversary and say, "I'm married, I'm married, I'm married" if there is no daily love shared, if there is no continuing tenderness, no attentive listening, no intensive giving, no creative blessing." Eugene Peterson "Run With the Horses"
Don't get discouraged or depressed if you've blown it, made mistakes or have a long way to go. The way back to the main road starts with taking one step, then another. Don't let the journey daunt you - take small, purposeful steps in the right direction and enjoy the journey!
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