One of the things I learned a couple of years ago, about marriage, I find very insightful about life. In the movie SHALL WE DANCE, with Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez, and Susan Sarandon, a question was 'asked' that went right into my spirit. We just never know how the Holy Spirit will teach us or who or what He will use…..that sure is exciting!
Susan is Richard's wife (in the movie) and Jennifer is a dance instructor. When Richard comes home late, on a regular basis, Susan hires a Detective to follow Richard. When she finds he is taking dancing lessons, she tells the Detective she no longer needs him……however, in their final conversation she asks him why he thinks people get married. He answers because of love and attraction to that person. Her reply is that we marry so we will have a 'witness' to our life.
There may have been more, but that went into my spirit, thinking how God said it was not good for man to be alone; I am sure for many reasons. And, I realized, one of the reasons, I liked being married so much was that I had another person to think about, consider and love. I was a witness to his life….his joys, his pains, his routine, etc. and it was fulfilling to be a part of that. I also like the idea that the same was true for my husband–he knew and understood me in so much and was kind and patient in the bad times, loving, fun and appreciative in the good times.
Now, that I am a widow and alone there is no witness to my daily life. No one knows when I get up, what I eat or what I do…..there is a vacancy there. My small 5 pound dog, Sparkey, is great company, but it certainly is not the same. I have family and friends who call or see me, but their schedules do not allow for a daily visit….nor should it…..they are very busy and very loving to me. Of course the Lord is always with me, and I am so grateful for that–and feel His presence often–but we do live in a physical world, and association with each other is super important.
I am writing this because if you are married, I how you will take another look at your partner and appreciate even one more gift God has given us in having each other. And, we who are alone appreciate the friends and family no matter how much time we have with them. Having a witness to your life is another reason to bond to that person for the mere sake of down-to-earth well-being. Being alone is definitely not an excuse to feel sorry for ourselves (I tried that and it is no fun) but to recognize the benefil of others and work on being a better mate, friend or family member.
Well, this was fun, and I pray we all have witness to our lives, and we live our lives with gratitude, joy and blessings, a witness to who ever is watching!
Pressing in and pressing on…..