I have been thinking a lot lately about what marriage means to me and how I see myself as a contributer in this vocation. Recently, I have been working on self image, and after much prayer tonight and reflection, I have come to a conclusion about the kind of wife that I am going to strive for in my marriage to Ken.
For me, marriage is not only about spending the my life with someone I am attracted to and connected to, it is hard work and a series of interactions and decisions that Ken and I will make together to create a cohesive life of two becoming one flesh. This vocation is a great challenge to any person entering into marriage and I thought I should share with you, o reader, what I will bring to this marriage.
I am not perfect and perfection will not be my goal; my goal is to strive to be as excellent as I can be in everything.
God comes first and then my marriage to Ken as priority.
Love of myself, that I will learn to love and continue to love Ken with the same respect and dignity I want for myself.
Sacrificing some of my needs to meet Kens’.
Comforting him in tears and times of distress
Taking time everyday to do something that builds up my marriage with Ken.
I will do my best to balance distance and connectedness in a relationship.
Living my life in faith and trying to walk the path of God with Ken beside me.
Prayer.
Church.
That I will keep the motto “Lord make me an instrument of thy peace”, in the foreground of my mind.
I will do what is in our best interest.
I will love unconditionally.
I will learn to let go any hurts that may occur and show mercy.
I will be thoughtful in my speech and actions.
I will love like everyday is our last.
I will do my best to follow the word of God.
I will create a mission statement with Ken, that we may be fruitful members of Gods family.
I will listen.
I will make statements. ( inside joke ).
I will do my best not to be critical.
I will laugh.
I will cry.
I will have joy and pain, but know that it is all part of God’s plan.
This is just the start. It is the night shift so I am a little tired but I will continue the list as time goes on.
May God bless this marriage.
Grace
Comment By: Patrick Connell
August 26th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Grace,
I enjoyed reading this piece very much. I would like to get married someday and it is great to hear and read what other young catholics of my age think about the vocation of marriage. I realise what a difficult path marriage can be even if I have only been mostly exposed to good ones. My uncles, aunts and parents have shown me over the years what a good marriage can be. I am also realising what a commitment it is to say wedding vows before God and I believe that is something that I would like to do. I wish both of you all the best and I will for God’s blessing for both you and Ken and your forthcoming marriage.
Patrick