“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 NIV
Earlier in the chapter, it is discussed that Adam had no helper and God said it was not good for man to be alone. God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep and He removed one of his ribs and made a woman as Adam’s helper. This was the first marriage, Adam and Eve. As the only 2 people on the earth, they had to rely on each other.
That’s what marriage is about, 2 people relying on each other through good and bad, always knowing that they will be there for each other. For the marriage to be successful, there needs to be only those 2 people involved in the relationship, which is why the man and the woman both leave their parents and cling to each other. The only other ‘being’ that should be present in a marriage is God as He directs the couple’s path.
This verse came to mind because my husband and I had the privilege and honor of attending a friend’s wedding this weekend. It was a beautiful wedding in a wonderful setting by a pond, but what was more precious to me than all of the plans that had been made to have a flawless ceremony was that we were able to be witnesses to the beginning of a life together. The couple stood in front of their family and friends and promise to keep God in the center of their marriage. They made an oath to rely on each other throughout all the days to come, knowing that there will be both plentiful and hard times in their future.
As they said their vows, I remembered my wedding and the solemn oath that both my husband and I took that day. It has been 32 years since our wedding day and although there have been ups and downs, we are still very much in love and look forward to another 30+ years. Marriage takes work, and each couple needs to remember that communication with the other person is very important. You need to communicate about every thing in your life, sharing with your spouse all of the worries, the joys, the sad times and the happy moments.
I am thankful and feel blessed to have been a part of our friends’ special day as they start their life together and I wish Kendall and Richard the best as they move through the days ahead clinging to each other and to God. Congratulations to both of you.