Celebrating Marriage

Celebrating Marriage

Do you remember the zing of attraction you felt when your relationship with your spouse was brand new? Being in the same room brought both comfort and butterflies. You felt empowered by the looks of admiration. Chills ran down your spine when your hands brushed together as you walked or reached for the popcorn.

I was at the wedding of my nephew Daniel and his new bride Taylor this weekend. Just watching this fully-in-love couple, I felt great joy as I saw Daniel passionately grab Taylor for the kiss of the wedding. With equal zeal Taylor raised her arms at the close of the wedding celebrating their oneness!

3 Ways to Celebrate Marriage

What is it about a young couple reciting marriage vows that is so inspiring? Part of it is the fresh journey they are taking together. Those of us who have been married a long time could spend time talking about the difficult parts of marriage, but today let’s celebrate the wonder of marriage. Here are 5 ways to celebrate marriage.

1. Celebrate Oneness

It is truly a miracle for a husband and a wife to be made ONE by the power of the Holy Spirit. As they say their vows, kiss and celebrate a far greater reality is taking place. The very first couple experienced this wonder of oneness.

“Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

The man said,

‘This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.’
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.” (Genesis 2:22-25 NIV)

Becoming one-flesh is a miracle of God. To be naked and unashamed with your spouse is a miracle of God. To be ONE with someone is no small matter. In this world where marriages are pulled down, we need to celebrate being together.

2. Celebrate Uniqueness

It is differences that can often attract a man to a woman. It is also what can divide a couple. You won’t always think and feel the same way about issues. You will have a different way of of communication. Learn to celebrate the unique way that God has made your spouse rather than spending your time and energy into recreating them.

What are the quirks about your spouse that drive you crazy? Is there a way for you to turn around your thinking and see things from their perspective? You still may not agree on issues, but you can come to understand and respect them for who they are.

It is stifling to have someone try to control you. It is also impossible to change someone else. Celebrating your spouse’s uniqueness is accepting the way that God has created them to be.

3. Celebrate Partnership

A gift of marriage is coming together in partnership. You join your household and finances together and share in choices for your future. You are stronger together than apart as long as you are pulling in the same direction. If you are pulling in opposite directions you will be tired and frustrated all the time. Seeking God on clarity of vision will make all the difference in living your lives with purpose.

Husbands and wives who moved west and pioneered the United States during the westward expansion understood partnership. They had to be fully together as partners in order to survive in the hardships of settling a new land. Their partnership became stronger as they overcame hardship as a team.

9 Traits of a Life-Giving Marriage

I’m excited to share that I have completed the manuscript to 9 Traits of a Life-Giving Marriage which will be in bookstores beginning October 2. Click the button below and you can download the introduction and first chapter of the book for free.

Download Here