Many times during our 25 years of marriage, my wife and I have marveled at the awesome power of commitment. We have come to realize that the commitment we made to each other on our wedding day is what has kept us together all these years, “in sickness and in health, for richer and poorer... “ I remember back in the early days of our marriage, we literally made the decision to take the word “divorce” out of our vocabulary–not that we both haven’t said, “There’s the door." Yet I really do believe our commitment to marriage has given us the ability and desire to face our challenges together, and we have always been able to find the path to restoration and reconciliation that is so vital if a couple is to grow in their relationship.
Today, I want to share some key points I have learned about the subject of commitment:
• Commitment requires making lots of time for each other.
• Commitment insists that we treat each other with patience, kindness, and a willingness to forgive seventy times seven.
• Commitment says you will do your best to see things from the other person’s perspective.
• Commitment is demonstrated by listening to each other, and really hearing what the other person has to say.
• Commitment means looking for ways to encourage each other in an honest and sincere manner
• Commitment has the ability to carry two people through even the most trying circumstances, because true love is an unwavering commitment that is not based on feelings alone.
• Two people “in love” on their wedding day, will surely experience the ultimate in true love that lasts for a lifetime when they determine to let nothing get in the way of their staying committed to each other and their marriage.
Making a commitment and sticking to it is never easy, but then again, nothing worthwhile ever is. Knowing that your love for each other is based on a commitment that says, “until death do us part,” has pulled us though some really tough times these past 25 years, and it can do the same for you.
