ACCEPTANCE: A NECESSITY TO MARITAL SUCCESS
Bisi Adewale
As you grow older in marriage, some of the things that attract you to each other may begin to disappear due to wear and tear of life, old age, childbearing, parenting and many more.
The face that looks so beautiful may begin to show signs of wrinkles; the breasts may be falling down and strength may begin to weaken. Beauty may begin to fade; health may be challenged; skills may be challenged; finance may not be as strong as before and gifts and talents may be overtaken by technology.
As these happen, the attraction may begin to wear away and infatuation would end totally. These will affect love negatively, especially if it has been based on physical appearance.
What will help your marriage at this stage and make it love filled and flourishing till the end is called ‘acceptance’. Yes, acceptance of the person you chose to marry will make the marriage evergreen till the end. Your acceptance of your spouse should be based on the following:
- The commandment of God:God commanded that you should live with your spouse with joy, so obey this.
- Shared past: Think of the past you share, the battle you fought and won together, where you started and where you are now.
- An envisioned future: Think of your vision together; think of the future you desire to live in together which you have both dreamt about together in the past.
- Good deeds of the past: Think of the good deeds of your spouse in the past, his love, her service, and why you chose to marry him or her among others.
- Portion thinking: Know that your spouse is the only portion you have on earth (Ecclesiastes 9:9). You can’t afford to look down on your own portion.
© Bisi Adewale 2020
