In response to my post, Living Solo in a Double World that I posted awhile ago, a friend remarked that there are many lonely people in marriages as well. Through the course of conversation (aka texting) we reached the conclusion that she could write a guest post and I would simply edit it. So here it is.
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Shari is a busy mother of four boys who enjoys homeschooling, getting to know her community and especially other cultures. She has been married to the love of her life, Randy, for thirteen years and makes her home in Ontario. Passionate about Jesus Christ, she wants everyone to know Him, especially her loved ones.
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I'm blessed to be in a marriage where we pray and go to bed together almost every night. We try to communicate like adults without whining or raising our voices. We listen and then gently share our feelings, opinions, and disagreements in order to better ourselves and each other.
I remember a time early on in our marriage where I wanted my husband to help me do the dishes and clean up the kitchen but he was on his phone playing games. I'm embarrassed to say, I was banging around in the kitchen hoping he would catch the hint and give me a hand. But he didn't! Later, when we talked about it, he told me to please not "beat around the bush" but simply ask him if I wished for something. I've learned he doesn't catch hints very well but isn't trying to ignore me either. Clear communication is so important in a good marriage.
When I do feel lonely in my marriage, I do well to ask these questions:
#1) Do I depend on my husband to take the place in my heart that only God can fill?
There is a cavity in every human heart that only God can fill and sometimes I try stocking it with other things (including my husband). Psalm 63:5 says, "You satisfy me more than the richest feast." I will be disappointed over and over again if I expect him to be perfect, always available, constantly tuned in, and meeting all my needs. It is SO important not to expect our spouse to be perfect. I fail and need forgiveness, so I will also allow him to fail and extend my forgiveness.
#2) What tone do I set in my home? Is home my husband's favourite place to be? Is it a safe and comfortable place of restoration for him? Am I a safe and enjoyable place for my husband?
1 Corinthians 11:9 says, "And the man was not made for the woman but woman for the man." It is easy for me to expect my husband to serve me. This often leaves me feeling disappointed. Also, I believe it is important to be an encouraging partner. No husband enjoys coming home to a nagging, discontent, and frazzled wife.
#3) Am I comparing my marriage to another marriage and jealous of someone else's? What is my standard of comparison for my marriage? God's Word or others?
2 Corinthians 10:12 says, "But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement." Isn't it funny how two wives can be jealous of each other? One might be envious of another's financial stability while another is jealous that the other's husband is home more often. Of course we know that it is best to focus on what we have versus what we don't although it is hard to put this into practise sometimes. Rejoice in the unique beauty of your marriage and allow God to use you and your husband in the way that He sees best.
#4) How is technology affecting our marriage?
It is so easy to let our minds relax after a busy day by putting our feet up and letting our phone screens occupy our time until we decide it's time to crash into our bed. Maybe I am frustrated and lonely because my spouse is spending the majority or even all of his leisure time on a device and not open to deep conversations. I may need to clearly ask my partner to please put his phone down because I have something important that needs to be discussed. Of course it is best to discuss and put healthy boundaries in place for technology as a couple.
Marriage can sometimes have unexpected turns and the dynamics change where we need to choose love even though those natural feelings may not be there. You or your spouse may be hit with a spiritual or physical struggle that requires the other to step up and be strong for him/her. Maybe one or the other has broken marriage vows and need to get back on track.
It always blesses me to remember God's heartbeat for His children. A bit ago, I read through the book of Jeremiah and saw Israel being compared to an unfaithful wife in its first chapters. It is interesting to compare marriage with God's relationship to Israel. He chose Israel over and over again and stayed committed even when she strayed. Her forgave her time and time again. God does this for me too. Because He continually forgives me, I can extend this forgiveness to others. It is also beautiful to compare our present marriage to the marriage of Christ and the Church. This is definitely the most beautiful and fulfilling marriage in its purest form.
For some closing thoughts, I like to read 1 Corinthians 7 every now and then to be reminded of the powerful influence we have on our spouse in marriage.
1 Peter 3:1&2 speaks directly to us as wives. "In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives."
Am I willing to step out and the first to break the cycle of 50/50 and be willing to give more than I feel I am getting? Marriage is to be the ultimate picture of Christ's sacrifice for His Bride.
Blessings to all!
Shari Horst