Many people believe that marriage is what makes them happy. However, research has shown that this is only sometimes the case. Marriage often adds more worries to a person’s life.
I recently had to visit a nursing home because my grandmother was there. It was hard for me to be there; the place was not for the faint-hearted.
I was very impressed by the situation at one table. Grandma was in a wheelchair, obviously having suffered a stroke or other debilitating neurological problem. Grandpa sat determinedly next to her, shoving a spoon into her mouth with enough tenderness to break my heart.
I learned that this man-her husband joined his wife at every meal, every day, without fail, even though he did not live with her in the nursing home.
What kept them both here: marriage! For better or for worse, remember?
It means that while you are dying for your spouse, he is doing the same for you. While you worry about his happiness, he does the same for you.
Despite all the troubles, the husband did not leave his wife. He was with her to the very end. It is the price for the love he gives and for the vow he makes.
So while marriage may not always make people happy, it can certainly add a lot of worries to their lives! But in the end, it’s worth it for its love and companionship.
Marriage can feel like two people sitting at a table – broken and weak, in dire need of grace. But when husband and wife extend gentle support to one another, they are replenished daily by the One who created them as a couple for His divine purpose.
Now that is a marriage made in heaven!
And that’s something worth being happy about! They will find the strength to go on – for better or worse – until death does their part.
So can marriage be considered happiness if it brings so much trouble? Because it’s not about getting your way – it’s about giving yourself to another person, for better or worse. And that is a beautiful thing.
Everyone has their own life and their own choice. You may not be considering marriage as your source of happiness. But if you are, then go into it with your eyes wide open, knowing that it will add worries to your life – but also knowing that it is worth it for the love and companionship it provides.
These grandparents from the nursing home made theirs. What will you make of yours?
