Marriage-Keep Tying Knots

Marriage is composed of not just "tying the knot" but rather an ongoing process of tying knots. My husband wrote a wonderful article on this back in June 2006. He writes "Marriage is tying a knot. Every time you do things together you tie another knot. These knots are what bind you together. Sharing in all things can tie a series of knots.... " " The ultimate goal is to tie more knots then those who are diligently working to untie them. You may have a problem if you look forward to doing activities separately instead of together. Subtle things like "Guys/Girls Night Out" or stopping off for a drink after work, slowly work at untying a knot. A subtle positive activity could be as simple as going grocery shopping or taking a walk with your Significant Other--namely your Spouse. The significant part should be foremost in your mind during these minor activities.Relationships are an investment. Your wife/husband is the biggest investment in your life. You put everything into this person from surface stuff to what is deep down. In return this person has invested as heavily in you. The returns on this investment include a partnership built on trust, intimacy, friendship, compassion and loyalty. Each of you will look for ways to please and uplift the other, tying knots and increasing the investment. If you are reading this and think that you are down to your last knot, perhaps you need to step back and think about what you can do to tie another knot. Set up a date with your spouse. Plan a local activity that includes conversation with your spouse. We found a local waterfall as the ideal place to sit, talk and share. We still reflect on this fondly even though we have moved from the area. No need for lavish events that cost vast amounts of money. The goal is to spend quality time with each other. Staying local is also preferred as these activities can be repeated and help strengthen the knot. Local activities reduce planning and preparation and allow you to focus on each other. Share each others past childhood memories and family dynamics. These will help you understand your partner's hopes and dreams and how they became the person you love. Conversations of the past generally come easy and will allow you to build toward conversations of the future. Your daily existence becomes a safe haven when you are working together toward a future that serves your combined hopes and dreams. Does this mean I can't do anything away from your spouse? Of course not. You are free to do things separately but your goal should be to do as much together as reasonably possible. When you do things apart you should share the highlights with your loved one so they gain a better understanding of who you are. Real issues and serious problems may need counseling to work them out. There is nothing wrong with seeking advice; if it really matters, it is worth every effort."

I hope this encourages you to tie one more knot today, and if you find that knot coming undone, spend some more time with your loved one, seeking to "learn how to retie" the bind that holds you together as a couple.

My husband and I work hard to keep the communication flowing. Sometimes this is quite difficult, and as you encounter more outside forces (relatives, children, work and job stresses, moves, defeats, illness or deaths), you will find that having one or more knots keeps you climbing the rope and at the top is the equivalent of heavenly bliss. After all, marriage is the image of God and the Church, His Bride. This is the epitome of bliss--God as our husband, and Heaven as our eternal bliss. To God be the Glory.