I’d like to share the opening entry to my marriage devotional The Healthy Marriage Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations to Bring You Closer Together:
Author Gary Smalley has officiated a lot of weddings. He uses an unique illustration to help couples understand the nature of their relationship.
Midway through the ceremony, he’d gesture to the beautiful flowers adorning the ceremony and say to the couple, “You probably believe the garland, the boutonnieres, and the bridal bouquet represent your love – vibrant and in full bloom.” Then he’d reach into his pocket and hand the bride and groom a packet of seeds.
“It’s actually more like this,” he’d say. “A seed is filled with potential that can only be discovered if it’s given the right elements – sun, water, good soil, and time. Likewise, your relationship is filled with the potential to be more than it already is, but it’s hidden within mysteries that only reveal themselves over time as you nurture your love.”
No matter how long you and your spouse have been together, your marriage is an endless reservoir of untapped potential – but it must be nurtured to life and allowed to unfold day by day along the road of life. Each new circumstance and shift in seasons is an opportunity to love each other in new, life-giving ways.
Love isn’t a commitment you make once on your wedding day. It’s a journey you take together every day, each moment a step forward into the unknown, yet rooted in a daily re-dedication to knit your hearts together as one.
A few months back my wife, Jean, joined me in the studio along with Focus’ in-house marriage experts Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, to talk about building a solid foundation for a good marriage. So many people found our conversation helpful that we’ve all come back together on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to discuss more ways you and your spouse can grow closer together as a couple.
My marriage devotional, The Healthy Marriage Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations to Bring You Closer Together, is available for a gift of any amount. It’s comprised of 365 daily thoughts that originated as spoken-word commentaries on mainstream radio. The entries have been collated to help you and your spouse go beneath the surface with each other and spark meaningful conversation. Give us a call at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459) or click here for more information. Thank you for your support.