Greetings Prayer Warriors,
When one marries, they are in awe of the love they’ve found. Their new love continues to blossom and grow as they nestle into a home and lovingly dote on one another. Then change enters in, perhaps after the birth of a child, or 2 or more. The focus is redirected, but love broadens, and the roots go deeper. However, unexpected climate shifts such as droughts (financial strains), monsoons (external family demands, sickness, deaths), and earthquakes (trust issues) can pressure test the relationship and make one question whether there is unity or division.
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5
In time, the house empties again. Some look at their spouse and question why they didn’t nurture that relationship like they did in the beginning. Others look in the mirror and realize they lost themselves somewhere along the way. Still others so wholly embraced their parental role at the expense of their spousal role, that they feel lost and alone as an empty-nester.
At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.
1 Corinthians 13:12
Yet there are still those marriages who are a beacon of light, who kept their number one their number one, and are subsequently having fun and enjoying new adventures with their spouse. Praise God for their witness!
Wherever you are on the journey, know that the Lord walks with you, guides you, and will renew and refresh you. He will be your joy and your peace if you let Him.
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Lord, you always bestow special graces on marriages, because they are designed to reflect the love of the Trinity. Bless all newlyweds and help them build a firm foundation of love in You. Grant the virtues of endurance and perseverance to parents of expanding families. With every climate shift in marriages, send your angels to soften the soil to allow for the roots of their love to grow even deeper. Help empty-nesters to rediscover their true identity in You. Finally, bless those marriages that so deeply reflect your love, while nurturing back to health those marriages that have lost their way. Amen.
For nothing will be impossible for God. Luke 1:37
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Shelter in place in His loving arms. Pass it on!
