Every marriage is unique, expressed by the colorful personalities of each spouse and textured by the circumstances at play in their lives. Blending these to make marriage work is a divinely inspired art form — challenging to master but definitely worth the effort.
This sharing of two lives entails myriads of facets involving a bonding of their bodies, souls and spirits in a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual union. So when it comes to finding the true meaning of a happy and fulfilling marriage,it is all or nothing. Let us find out the true meaning of marriage.
Marriage means letting go of your selfishness..
Once you get married you realize that it is no longer all about you. In your single days, you could make most of your decisions according to your own wishes and desires. Now that you are married you have a spouse to consider while taking any decision. Whether it is what to cook or buy for dinner, what to do over weekends, or where to go on holidays – both of your opinions now carry weight. In this sense marriage is one of the best antidotes to selfishness.
Marriages which work the best where both partners are fully committed, wholeheartedly seeking the happiness and well-being of their spouse. The philosophy of a fifty-fifty marriage does not lead to fulfillment and contentment. If one of you is giving all and the other is giving little or nothing, you may need some help to find the balance.
Marriage means becoming one..
Another facet of the true meaning of marriage is two bodies, single soul. It is a blending of two lives on every level. However, becoming one does not mean that you lose your own identity. On the contrary, it means completing and complementing one another to such an extent that you can both be better together than you could have been as singles.
Oneness does not happen automatically as you start living together – it requires a determined effort and considerable time spent together, getting to know one another deeply. As you learn how to communicate effectively and how to resolve your conflicts sooner rather than later, you will find your oneness and intimacy increasing. Never go to sleep without resolving your issues.
Marriage means shaping a new generation..
One of the most profound and wonderful privileges given to a married couple is the privilege of bringing forth children into this world. A secure and happy marriage is the best context to raise a child. A couple, who are united in loving and teaching their offspring, will train them to become mature adults who are ready to make a valuable contribution to society in the coming years. This facet of shaping the future generation can and does indeed bring true meaning to marriage.
But again, child rearing, like the other facets, does not come automatically or even easily. It is essential to keep your priorities firmly in place when children start arriving – remember your spouse always comes first, and then your children. By keeping this order clear, your marriage will be able to survive intact and blessed even when the nest is empty again.
Marriage means changing, learning and growing..
Change is one of the most certain things about life, including marriage. So enjoy all the changing seasons of your marriage, from the honeymoon to the first year, the baby years, the teenage and then college years, and then your golden years as you progress to retirement and the blessing of spending your old age still holding each other’s hands together.
Think of your marriage as an acorn which gets planted on your wedding day. Thereafter it begins to sprout and push up bravely through the dark soil, proudly displaying a few leaves. Slowly but surely as the weeks, months and years pass, the little oak shoot becomes a sapling which grows stronger and stronger. Eventually one day you realize that your acorn has become a sturdy and shady tree, giving shelter and pleasure, not only to yourselves but also to others.
So, in simple words the meaning of marriage is to accept the other person and adjust to the various situations that you encounter in marriage to make it really work.