MARRIAGE IS A SACRED INSTITUTION.

You have heard it said ‘opposites attract.’ To which I say…

‘Buffalo Pucky!’

The truth is that the more things we have in common with our mates, the more likely we will have a healthy and happy marriage.

“Well that is just great,” I can hear you say. “My husband and I have absolutely nothing in common with each other. We are literally polar opposites and our marriage is failing because of it.”

I hear you. I’ve been there. But, there is hope and there is a solution. It is a simple solution really, one you might turn your nose up at. But, it will work. However, it will take much mental energy and strong resolve from you.

Are you still in? Are you all ears?

Step 1) Realize that YOU are the jobsite. Not your spouse. IT IS YOU. The only person you can ever change is YOU.
Step 2) Make a decision to serve your spouse by learning to ‘like’ something he likes. Whether it is; sports, vehicles, outdoors, music, culinary stuff, or whatever make a point to learn it and like it.
Step 3) If you cannot possibly like any of his likes, then create a common ‘like’ together. Find something you both will like. It probably will not be knitting or macramé—but it could be camping, bluegrass, or motorcycling.
Step 4) If you strike out, keep swinging!

My husband loves golf. I mean really really loves the sport. I hate it. I mean really really hate it. But, I practice what I preach and got busy at least trying to ‘like’ the dumb sport. I learned how to swing and not miss. I learned the terminology—to which there is a many. I learned to yell ‘FOUR’, which I do alot of. BUT, unfortunately, I still hate the sport.

I struck out on that one, but I stepped up to bat and swung again and found the ‘sweet spot’ (which, I admit is another stupid golf term.)

What is that sweet spot?

It is bluegrass music. Can you believe it?

We created our own thing. And we both love it. We have become bona fide bluegrass groupies. I have even learned to play the mandolin and banjo—poorly—but at least I try.

The thing is, bluegrass has drawn us closer. But, we had to work to find that one thing.

And I am so glad we did.

Marriage is a sacred institution.

It is an institution that has the ability to polish us, to pressurize us and squeeze us into precious gems—gems that look like Christ.

That is why I encourage you to fight hard for your marriage, pray even harder, and find the ‘common ground’ between you.

Remember, I am pulling for you!
And also remember to strap on your toolbelts cuz I’ll see you on the jobsite!

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