I feel good. Actually, I feel like I win a million dollars.
Last Sunday, my wife and I celebrated three years of marriage. Some people tell me that I am acting as if I was celebrating 50 years. To them it is only three years but I know there are hundreds, if not thousands, of marriages that didn’t make it this far, so I make no apology for my joy and celebration.
Looking back, it was a great three years; actually, it was an excellent three years but let me tell you, it was a lot of hard work. I can honestly say that keeping my marriage exciting, growing, enjoyable and peaceful takes a lot of patience and effort.
There are so many factors that have contributed to our successful three years: our faith in Jesus Christ, a solid foundation, godly communication, dying to self, loving despite, a desire to honour and an excellent support network.
Marriage is about two people becoming one. Let me divert a bit and say that I do not believe in “the one” and I do believe in “the one”. I don’t share the view that there is only one person in the entire world for you to marry. However, once you do choose that person and marry them, that person becomes “the one”.
So let’s get back on track. Marriage is about two people becoming one and the beauty of it all is that becoming one will take tens of years to develop. Many people think becoming one is an event that occurs when the newlywed couple consecrates their marriage before God through the act of sex. Sorry to burst your bubble but when you say I do, you are in it for the long haul; well, you should be.
Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has been of great benefit to us over these three years. I am convinced; God created spouses to draw us closer to him, seriously. I have told my wife on numerous occasions that she keeps me close to God.
You may laugh but some days if the arms of Jesus weren’t there for me to run to, I would shout, brek uh few plates, pelt something cross de room and may even cuss.
Real ting. Your spouse brings out the best and the worst in you, Well, I should say my wife does. I don’t see this as a problem, though, as the revelation of “the worst” has prompted me to make some changes to my attitude, perceptions, behaviour and communication.
That being said, I also know that I bring out the best and worst in my wife, lol, and if Jesus’ arms weren’t there for her to run to I might have had a buss head, a few cuffs and kicks and maybe a few choice words, yuh neva know.
It is indeed wonderful that we both love the Lord and can run to him for support, guidance and strength and, in my wife’s case, lots of patience, lol. Unfortunately, many people have chosen to run to alcohol, marijuana and the court.
Jodi has been my wife for three years but has been my best friend for 13. We had ten solid years of relationship before we were married and I believe this has added to our pleasant experience.
We learnt how to respect, support, encourage and honour each other during this time, which meant it wasn’t new to us when we got married. What is also amazing is that we both abstained from sexual intercourse until we were married. This made the beginning of marriage even sweeter as there was a lot to look forward to; well, at least for me, lol.
Next time I hope to share on godly communication, dying to self, loving despite, a desire to honour and an excellent support network.
I believe the human heart desires two things above all else, to love and to be loved. I am happy and grateful that I have been able to love and I definitely feel loved.
• Corey Worrell is a former Commonwealth Youth ambassador.
