Relationships | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Relationships | Previous Challenge Entry
By Steve Thomas
09/01/16
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Why do some last a lifetime and some end in no time?

I was meeting my brother’s fiancé for the first time. We met, and our eyes met, and I instantly knew that their relationship would not last very long. There were no comments about how they were “meant for each other” or how good we looked together. This relationship had an expiration date on it, and the clock was obviously ticking.

Relationships rise and they fall, and the only thing in question is when. Is it truly love that makes some last longer than others? Is a 50/50 relationship the norm or is it a farce that was baked in the mind of someone looking to salvage a relationship?
The similarities in man/pet relationships and marriage are striking. Marriage comes with a “till death do us part” sticker on it, like a postage stamp headed for eternity. But that, friends, is where the similarities come to a dead end. Most pets go straight from purchase to obedience school. Can you imagine asking your brand new spouse about the prospects of going to obedience school? Pets are seldom denied anything, from gourmet dog food to a brand new chew toy. How often have you told your spouse that “we just can’t afford it right now?”
What about the comparisons between your dog and your lifelong friend who you’ve known since high school? There are very few comparisons between that person and your spouse or pet. First, it’s very rare that a person will live with their lifelong friend. Therefore, because you see them less, you won’t find or notice a bunch of things that you cannot stand, and the chances of the relationship going sour lessens because the opportunities to sour it just aren’t there.
So what is the commonality between those 3 relationships. What one thing can you look at and say with any degree of certainty that you have found the key to relationship longevity? Is there anything that all 3 either possess?

The one place I would start is with expectation. Think about it for a second. If you come home and are greeted by a house that is trashed a dog with its head down? You smile at the dog, and they instantly know that you still love them. What if you came home to a less than immaculate home and a spouse? You would more than likely wonder out loud what your spouse has been doing all day.

I’ve been sitting here writing for about an hour, and in that time I’ve seen at least 5 “feel good” commercials about man and dog, but none about husband and wife. Finally, think about the number of times your dog asked you for forgiveness. How many times have you given your spouse the silent treatment even after they apologized? The Bible says that daily we should forgive 70 times 70.
the next time you are looking to “upgrade” your relationship, think about all that you are giving away. Better still, think about how much God thought about marriage.

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