It can be a hard thing to ask yourself what kind of spouse you really are. If the spirit is present I think that several areas of needed improvement can be quickly illuminated in the mind. My perspective of marriage is like that of a builder, constructing a large beautiful home. Instead of reviewing the past time of my marriage to see if it is "holding up", I feel instead like I am looking to see how far we have come in the construction of a solid foundation that will shoulder our future, our eternal future.
It is apparent to me that the sturdiness of the foundation we are laying in every way will affect the lives of our children and children's children. The same way that sloppiness in the details of building construction will inevitably lead to problems both in appearance and function of the building, the same is true with unchecked moments of rudeness and selfishness in marriage.
"Serious marital difficulties often begin in seemingly minor ways. Fleeting moments of rudeness, unrepented of, may become more frequent. Poor communication may allow spouses to drift apart. Unresolved frustrations can heat up until they boil into anger and even abuse Nurturing a Love That Lasts -Liahona 2000."
The higher law taught by The Savior tells us that it is not enough to just go avoid carrying out acts of rudeness, selfishness, or immorality but we are charged to "Suffer none of these things to enter into [our] heart 3 Nephi 12:29."
I am a proponent of marriage, especially Christ-Centered Marriage. I believe in redemption, forgiveness, and mercy. These are things that no marriage can last long with out. At least not in a form that will endure the test of time, let alone eternity. But then again marriage is supposed to be a lot more than enduring. A marriage should be the most rich, refining, exalting union we experience on this earth. A marriage is supposed to be as much about our relationship with Christ as it is with our husband or wife. A true marriage can bear the deepest pain and sense the most ecstatic joy.
I am committed to my covenant to be fiercely loyal to my sweetheart. I am so thankful.
