Maybe you're only reading this because of the title...Mission accomplished. Obviously the title is a little extreme and a bit skewed. A good friend of mine and I have been talking recently about what makes marriage truly last. Apart from beliefs and common interests, what makes a marriage thrive? You see, love is such a fleeting emotion within the context of today's society. Love is often characterized by passionate feelings that breed intimacy yet inevitably fades. In today's culture, it is often not a question of if marriages will fail but when. I believe one of the missing factors people often neglect to add into the equation of whom they should marry, is whether or not they truly like them. I have many friends who have been in relationships that have failed, and both partners still love the other. However, they obviously did not like each other enough to "make it work". I know this is very contrary to popular belief, but genuinely think about it. As Christians, we are called to love every neighbor as ourselves. We are not called to like everyone. We are not called to go out of our way (in every case) to get along with everyone around us. We are called to love them as Jesus loves them. Often, when you genuinely love someone, you learn to like them as well, so don't get me wrong. This is not a mutually exclusive situation. Side note: I still think of those circle diagrams that overlap when I say "mutually exclusive" ;) Anyway, I hope you are understanding my point here. I have not said anything groundbreaking or revolutionary. I have simply stated my lil' ole opinion! Marriage is intended to be forever or at least until death. Think long term when you consider marriage. Make your future marriage more promising by marrying someone you LIKE and not just love. Marry someone who will invest time in your interests. Marry someone who cares about your family. Marry someone who will challenge your thoughts and actions. Marry someone who will engage in your dreams to make them reality. Marry someone who will laugh with you. Marry someone who will care for your future children as much as you will. Marry someone who has goals and ambitions of their own. Marry someone who is okay with you sleeping through their favorite movies. Marry someone who will pray with you and for you. Marry someone you like more than anyone else in the world.
I'll leave you with a song to continue pondering :)
