Marriage Requires Much Work

It was like a scene out of a movie.

Her boyfriend, Keith, was returning from his time in Afghanistan with the Air Force. We were there with her at Barksdale Air Force Base to welcome him home. Meredith, her sister who married a military person, had told her how to get the banner made. The banner let everyone know that there were at least two families who were welcoming home a hero! I am sure all there knew the many heroes that were present and coming home. Miranda, my daughter, was anxious to see Keith!

What she didn't know is that a few months back, Keith has skyped Mandy and me. He was nervous as he talked to us about being in Afghanistan. But then he asked the question, "Can I ask your daughter to marry me when I get home?" Before we could answer, the screen went blank! Finally the connections returned and we both said, "Yes!" I gave him a hard time asking him if he was so scared to ask me he had to be half way around the world! So Keith began to make things ready for the big day. With Mandy's help they made sure they found out Miranda's ring size. With his Dad's help he ordered a ring.

With the help of his wing commander, the dad was sneaked out to the plane to give Keith the ring to have when he met Miranda. As we stood there waiting and watching, Miranda was nervous and excited about his return. She had no idea that he was going to propose. She ran and hugged him! And then he fell on one knee, pulled out the ring, and popped the question. They were surrounded by friends, family, and the media as well. It was a grand scene! And of course, Miranda said yes!! So now the wedding plans begin.

Did you notice how much effort and help went into making this happen? While Keith was working on getting permission, the ring, etc. he was also fighting a war.

Marriage is like this! It requires much from the couple. It requires the support of friends, family, and yes—even the media! All of this is happening while life is still busy. And the great happy moments are sometimes but a flash in the whole scheme of things. Oh, but what a flash!

Miranda and Keith are just beginning this part of their life. My hope is that fifty or sixty years from now they will be holding hands and remembering the blessings of their marriage—one they worked at, one that friends helped and encouraged them!

If you are enjoying the blessings of marriage—give thanks! If you are struggling in your marriage—you are not alone! Work at it. Get help if you need it! Realize that this is a part of being married. Being married and staying married, requires much work! But the blessings are worth it!

Pray for me as I pray for you.