For Better or For Worse
Those of you who are married and reading this may remember a promise you made on the day of your wedding. That day is always such an exciting time in life. I remember it like it was yesterday. I can close my eyes and see how beautifully the church building was decorated, how the groomsmen and bridesmaids looked, where the minister was standing, and that look on Jim’s face as he watched my father escort me to the front of the building.
Somewhere in our picture albums I have a copy of the vows that we said on that day. We made promises to one another and committed our lives to one another and to God, before those witnesses who were in attendance.
I certainly can’t quote all of those promises I made on that day, but I do remember saying something like, “in sickness and in health, for better or for worse…”
With the excitement of that beautiful wedding day I doubt I realized that there might come a time in our marriage when those promises would be very important. How could I know that illnesses and surgeries would come our way and we would need to be there for one another – for better or for worse???
A few days ago, I had surgery on my left knee that necessitates me being off of that leg for two full weeks. I never realized how difficult it would be to do simple, daily things without the use of that leg. It is at times like this that you begin to realize the importance of that commitment you made to one another. Without Jim’s help I would be unable to function.
I have heard and witnessed so many stories about couples who are happily married until one of them becomes sick or incapacitated in some way and the stress of that situation ruins their marriage. Obviously, their promises to one another didn’t mean much. When put to the test, they failed.
I am blessed to be able to say that we meant what we said when we made those promises to one another. When I hurt, he hurts. When he hurts, I hurt. We are such a part of one another, that our commitment from many years ago still stands firm… we are in it together, for better or for worse. Without Jim, our children and grandchildren, and our church family, life would be rather difficult right now.
This morning I was thinking about another marriage – the one between Christ and the Church. Aren’t we thankful that Jesus didn’t just call it quits when the going got tough? Aren’t we grateful that He was willing to suffer and die for us? Aren’t we thankful that He is always there as an ever-present help in times of need?
May our commitment to our spouse and to God always be “for better or for worse.”
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AUTHOR: Donna Faughn
