Have you ever stopped to think about why you got married? When I married Will some twenty-four years ago, I wanted love, babies, sex (a tremendous motivation pre-wedding), and to live happily ever after. Will would say his goal was nearly identical--with the exception of the order. And that was good, but honestly, we married for all the wrong reasons. We were hoping to find ultimate fulfillment in each other. To recognize our deepest dreams and desires through each other. And to be elevated to greater fulfillment through each other.
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After nearly twenty-five years of marriage, I would say that Will and I have been elevated to greater fulfillment, but not in the ways we originally thought. Instead, we have discovered our marriage mission--and it's all about helping other people. Now, you might be thinking, oh, of course, you're a ministry couple--that's your job to help other people. But if you think about it from a spiritual standpoint, it's not just our job. It's your job too.
In a nutshell, we're here on planet Earth to fulfill the greatest command: love God and love others. That's our job. And to the extent that we achieve that goal through our marriage, we will find the greatest joy. For Will and me, it truly has nothing to do with "being in ministry." First and foremost, we're full-time Christians--hopefully just like you and your husband. And full-time Christianity equals loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength--and loving others as you love yourself (Mark 12:28-30).
That is what drives me personally, and it's what drives my marriage collectively. While Will and I love each other immensely, we are also out there loving God and others as practically and purposefully as possible. And while doing so, we are fulfilling our mission to love and serve people. And it's in this comprehensive context that we find meaning in our marriage. A meaning that is much bigger than ourselves.
