So I was listening to the news this morning and if you know anything about Oregon we have an incredible variety of weather. We can have sunshine one minute and hail the next without too much effort. When the sun is out people race out to soak up a little joy, but when the clouds start rolling in we race home to layer up.
Psalm 18:2 “ The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold”.
Marriage is so much like days in Oregon. We can be having the time of our life and all of a sudden struggles come up. Newly married couples are at a height of blissful emotion that may help them steer through the first few conflicts, but at some time we all have to deal with things. This does not mean that struggles are bad, but we may have to change a little for the situation. First look at ourselves. What is it that is affecting us? Is it something we are willing to change or is it something that shapes who we are. Second is our spouse. Is it something that has changed or is it part of which they have been all along? Third is the situation. What has happened? We were going along soaking up the sun and now we are racing home to prepare for the cold. Situations arise to strengthen our relationship together just like a storm brings water to support the spring and summer flowers, trees and fields. The question is preparation. Have you gathered the tools so that you are prepared when things happen?
You need to have your tools ready. The first tool you need is resolve. Are you resolute in your commitment to each other? Ready to stand by each other through all events? Without resolve you have no way to hold things together. It is your anchor point. The second tool you need is Love. You need enduring true love that will help you navigate the storm. The third thing you need is communication. Have you developed a way to open and maintain communication in your marriage? It is important that you talk and practice using the tools of communication when things are good. By being prepared with communication skills, it will help you work through the storm together. The final thing I would suggest you need is a network. Do you have a team of friends and family that will honestly answer your questions and help encourage your marriage? Your network can build up or break down your marriage depending on who you gather around you. It is critical that you know their position in your relationship before you weather the storms that arise in life.
Learn to love the storm as much as the sunshine, because life is so much fuller with both. Draw closer to each other. Find rest and energy in the sunshine. Take joy in weathering the storm together. Encourage others and be aware that those around you are watching the model you show in your marriage.
Be a positive example to others.
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