Blog #8: Fighting For Your Marriage

Consecrate (verb): to make or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose (Wikipedia). 

"We covenant to live the law of consecration. This law is that we consecrate our time, talents, strength, property, and money for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God on this earth and the establishment of Zion." (Goddard, 99).

As I have mentioned in previous posts, my parents divorced when I was young. My parents are great people, and they  got along very well after they separated. However, they chose to divorce simply because they "didn't love each other anymore." Although I don't agree with their reasoning for divorcing, I know that my life has been blessed because of that choice. My step parents are excellent, and all four of my parents get along amazingly well compared to other divorced/remarried families. I also have two brothers on my mom's side, and my life would not be the same without them in it. Regardless, I  would never divorce my husband simply because of lost love - love is something that needs to be nurtured, and it's rarely ever going to be perfect.

Before I joined the Church, I don't think I ever viewed marriage as something sacred. I may have thought of it as something "special," but never sacred. Although my parent's divorce was a very drama-free one, I was always afraid of having the same thing happen to me once I got married. I was afraid of falling out of love with my spouse like they did each other. However, since I've joined the Church, I've come to understand that marriage is so much more than simply keeping flames lit, so to speak. It's forever. It's eternal.

  

My dad, mom, and me.

My step dad, mom, brothers, husband, and me.

My dad, step mom, and me.

I would be lying if I said that marriage has been an easy ride, because it hasn't, but is any relationship an easy? I don't think so. Keeping Christ at the center of my life has done nothing but help my marriage thrive. In the chapter about consecration, Goddard says, "those who understand the things of God know that their imperfect partners will one day be made glorious" (pg 108). The same goes for ALL family members. I know that my husband and my parents have faults, but they don't need to be flawless to receive love; I love them no matter what. I think every relationship has room for improvement no matter how happy (or unhappy) you are, because there's always room become better. I love my family the way it is, including the fact that it's "separated." It's not perfect and it's not "traditional," but my life would be completely different if it were any other way. 

I am blessed to have knowledge of the Gospel and eternal marriage. I know that if it weren't for the Church, I probably would have been forever afraid of losing love, and I definitely wouldn't be married right now. Marriage is worth fighting for, so fight hard. Love is worth having, so once you discover it, try to hold it close.