I Didn't Sign Up For This

“I now pronounce you husband and wife”, the Pastor declared in front of family and friends. I had never been to such a colourful yet simple and beautiful wedding. I was deeply fighting the urge to shed some tears (yes, I cry at weddings i find them beautiful). As I looked around I could feel the warmth and love oozing from the smiles of those around us. I couldn't believe it…I had finally gotten married.

“If I knew it would get to this point, I would have thought twice before marrying you”, I yelled angrily as I walked out slamming the door. This was just a month and a half after the wedding of my dreams.

“Lord, this wasn't what I signed up for”, I whispered desperately trying to cool off. I was troubled by the fact our marriage wasn't turning out the way I intended it to be or worse it wasn't fitting according to my plans.

The Lord began to deal with me over this issue slowly and yet painfully. I wasn't readily willing to let go of my expectations of my husband and of myself. It took a while to surrender these expectations I had created unfairly for my husband and myself included.

Jeremiah 29: 11 “ For I know the plans for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give hope  and a future.

This means that God has a plan over this marriage and He declares it is good. I slowly began to realise that indeed marriage comes with its own unique problems but even with the unexpected surprises new dreams and delights can be birthed. 

Till this very day I am amazed at how God uses a union of two sinners to sand off those rough edges that we have (and boy oh boy do I have many). You may have to give up a lot but the joy that comes with complete surrender is worth it.

Challenges in marriage, relationships and also friendships can be handled from the teachings from God’s word. How?  Making a commitment and willingly allowing God to sand off those rough edges off.  It means choosing to see your husband/wife through the eyes of God. It also means treating that person with the same regard that God has for each person. 

So the next time you find yourself with unmet expectations, turn to the Lord and allow Him to work in your mind and heart to see what He sees.

P.S After the argument, i went back and apologized to John and they lived happily ever after :)

                                                      THE END