Strike the Original Match

Four-year old Suzie had just been told the story Snow White for the first time in her life. She could hardly wait to get home from the nursery school to tell her mommy. With wide-eyed excitement, she retold the fairy tale to her mother that afternoon. After relating how Prince Charming had arrived on his beautiful white horse and kissed Snow White back to life, Suzie asked loudly, "And do you know what happened then?".

"Yes," said her mom, "they lived happily ever after". "No", responded Suzie, with a frown, "they got married."

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In childlike innocence, that little nursery schooler spoke the in-depth truth without realizing it.

Getting married and living happily ever after are not necessarily synonymous.

"The honeymoon is over... dream lie broken and scattered... there is nothing left of the relationship once was. The duet has become a duel. The smiles and laughter that once made coming home sheer ecstasy have turned into lonely stares and sighs of dissappointment. The magic is gone. Nothing is left in its place except cold mental mirrors reflecting yesterday's sunshine that today has been eclipsed." - Swindoll

photo: Langkawi, Malaysia (1992)

Recently, I have been reading a book by one of my favorite Christian authors - Charles Swindoll. The book is entitled, Strike the Original Match - Rekindle the Fire in Your Marriage and Keep it Burning.

Essentially, this is a bliblical book on marriage. This book is all about offering a strong challenge to those who are willing to get down to business and let the Bible strike the original match as they and their partner glean God's timeless truth to help them rekindle that fire.You don't have to be told which option many married couples are choosing today. Chances are good you yourself have entertained the thought of selling out. It's certainly easier to bail out than to work through.

photo: Blk 352 Choa Chu Kang Central (our first home)

In the book, Swindoll said "a marriage is a lot like our house." While new it sparkles. Fresh smells, fun surprises, and new discoveries make each day a snap, crackle, and pop. Sure there's work to be done, but the newness takes away the hassle. As time passes, however, things change.

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Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the grit of responsibility mixed with the grind of routine starts to take its toll. Who hasn't experience it? ... the dreams fade into the misty memories of "the way we were," introducing to us the nightmarish and fearful feelings of "the way it is".

photo: our current home in Hillview

Proverbs: By wisdom, a house is built. And by understanding, it is established; And by knowledge, the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches (Proverbs 24:3-4).

Three truths to help us find fulfillment in our marriage: wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Without these at work in our relationship, we will lack protection... as out own marriage will be weakened and ultimately lose its fire. Wisdom is seeing with discernment, Understanding is responding with insight, and Knowledge is learning with perception.

.source: Swindoll, Strike the Original Match