Okay, I covered this a little in my last post but I wanted to go more in depth about this topic.
MARRIAGE IS HARD!
Life is not a Disney movie or a fairy tale. Every day/week/month/year doesn't end with a "...and they lived happily ever after." I certainly hope that over all you feel like you are living your happy ever after, but it is not like that all the time. In fact, if you look at the world's view, you might think that very few people ever get a happy ending. People may say, "Why get married? It doesn't ever work out. Why even try?"
I'm sure you know why. From the Proclamation,
It is God's plan that we get married and have children. The family is of God. He wants us to return and live with him again and we need to follow his plan to do so. So, despite what the "world" may tell you, following God's plan is always the best way."...marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children."
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| I swear it was the hottest day in August that year! |
If that's not enough for you, here are some facts about marriage from my textbook,
"A stable marriage corresponded with happiness, health, prosperity, and the well being of offspring and communities."
"...married adults are clearly healthier than their non-married counterparts...They have lower rates of morbidity and mortality, and their health benefits persist even when factors such as race, income, and health status prior to marriage are taken into account."
"...married people are generally happier...with greater life satisfaction, lower risk for depression, and greater economic stability, all contributing to better mental health. Interestingly, when young adults marry, they experience an immediate reduction in depressive symptoms, and higher life satisfaction levels hold true for the married across incomes, ethnic groups, and gender."
In the world today, many people are forgoing getting married. They decide to live together, have an extended "relationship", or just don't enter a relationship at all. That is not the way our Heavenly Father has intended that we live our lives.
That said, marriage is hard work. It's not all roses and candlelight. It's jobs and bills and crying children and bills and medical issues and bills...always bills. I agree with the quote from President Monson at the top of this post. You should choose your love, but then you have to love your choice...even when it's hard. And there will be (many) hard times.
I encourage you to take a Preparation for Marriage class (with your future spouse if you can) and even a class after you are married that will help you find the best way to enhance your own marriage. Do all you can to make you marriage work. Follow the Lord's plan.
I also want you to know, if things don't happen the way you want them to, we will always be here for you to help you through anything you may be facing. We will always support you.
Never forget that your dad and I love you.
