By Fidelity Tatenda Mashora
As you enrol into the institution of marriage, the promise that you always make for each other is “till death do us part – the graduation day.” There will be many modules that you will encounter, some you will pass with flying colours, and some you will fail dismally, the trick is in lifting each other up again and again, again and again, again and again till you both pass.
There are days when you will feel unappreciated, disrespected, aggrieved, worthless, discouraged, demoralized (I could go on and on) There are times when you would feel like tapping out or giving up, it is on these days that you must always revisit your vows for a lifetime commitment.
For richer, for poorer
In sickness and in health
In good times and in bad times
Till death do us apart
There are days where you can’t live without your partner and there some you can live with your partner The secret is in cherishing the great memories together and endure the difficult times. You will lose each other along the way, there will be twists and turns, ups and downs, smooth, bumpy, and rough terrains, the idea is to always find yourselves back to each other again and again, again and again, again and again.
Always be reminded to be dependent on the third force in your union GOD for God is love and love is God. He will be your rock and pillar of strength when you are both down and apart, he must always be the foundation of your marriage and your “go-to”
friend when you most need strength and guidance. Learn to seek God together as a family, prayer will be your greatest weapon against the principalities of darkness, God will always be your first port of call before your family or friends.
From time to time, you will continue to draw strength from each other, Your home must always be your safe haven or your cocoon, it must be a place to draw and regain strength to face the world. Obviously, it takes two to create this safe haven, Understanding each other is always key. Learn to always give each other comfort, assurance, understanding, and protection.
There will be a lot of societal noises some days, a lot of drama, things you may get pulled into as a couple, That will be around you but it doesn’t have to get between the two of you. The most important thing is to learn and unlearn what the world teaches, take what works best for both of you, and leave what doesn’t work for you.
As you build your home and family, you will need to be content with what you have as a family, living within your means will be an integral part of achieving this. To be content doesn’t mean you don’t desire more, it simply means you are grateful for what you have and you are patient for what’s to come. The bible tells us that time and chance happens to us all until it’s your turn, keep clapping for others, your time shall come.
In conclusion, always be reminded that love is patient and is kind; love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, love never fails. 1st Corinthians 13 vs 4 to 8a
