For Better.... And a Lot Worse

I was recently talking to one of my very good friends about our kids, our jobs and life in general. And though I hate to admit it, the conversation quickly turned "gossipy." We didn't intend to do this..it just sorta happened. My friend went on to tell me about another marriage threatened by infidelity. I want to say I was surprised, but sadly I was not. I can get on facebook any given time of the day and literally see which of my "friends" marriages are failing. So that got me thinking, "Why is marriage so disposable?" What makes a young couple give up so easily. Then I think about the kids. Parents surely think of their kids when chaos is running wild in their home...or do they. Being a Children's Director for a church I see more than my fair share of kids being affected by a less than perfect home life. The majority of kids in my program come from broken homes and have to divide their time between mom and dad. It's an epidemic. It's sad. It needs to end.

Let me clear about something. My marriage is not perfect, in fact it's far from it. Marriage is way harder than I ever dreamed. It takes constant work. Just yesterday I told Tyler, "You are getting on every single nerve I have!" He responded with, "Ditto." On the flip side, I love that man to pieces. Even when I'm at my worst (which is hardly ever, wink wink) he still loves me. He still shows me grace. He forgives me. Being married means being a united front. And of course, like He always does, Jesus spoke to me through His word:

"Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand."

Matthew 12:25

Outside forces are less of a threat for most families. They usually crumble from the inside out. A civil war raging in the home leaves more casualties than an outside attack. When God said two become one in marriage, it means will literally injure our own flesh when we tear down our partner. When I stab at Tyler's dignity, I may as well cut off my own arm. This is why fighting hurts so badly: when I injure Tyler, I do it at the sake of my own soul. And let's not forget the most important factor: Our kids. We become so blinded by selfishness that will fail to see how a jaded marriage affects them. It's easier to write it off: "They don't know what's going on." "They're too little." "They're not listening." A house divided against itself will fall. It will crush everyone taking refuge under it's shelter.

Do you want to be the mom of your kids' dreams? Want to give them security, health, stability and happiness? I know how....

LOVE YOUR HUSBAND!!!

Love him so much it's almost embarrassing. Kiss him, hug him. Talk about him to your kids as if your heart would die without him. Don't let issues fester until they are ready to explode. Have sex with him (this alone would solve most of his problems :)Tell your kids their daddy is a hero and they are so lucky they belong to him. Be his #1 fan. The best gift for your kids is parents who are crazy for each other. (Did I mention have sex with him?)

No matter what war is raging in your home right now: infidelity, addiction, financial issues, the list goes on.....

Bring them to Jesus. Don't give up my sweet friends. Love each other well and your house will stand.