When The Going Gets Tough

Not too many years ago my marriage was really struggling.  Sean was in a deep dark place. There were no more words of encouragement I could give to him.  I felt very alone and I often wondered where my God is in all of this is.  During that time I had one friend tell me I needed to give him an ultimatum.  Another friend said I needed to just take the kids and move out.  I did, however, have one friend tell me that though she couldn’t directly understand what it was I was going through, I needed to remain faithful.  I needed to trust in what God was doing in Sean, in me, in our family.  And through all of this, even though I didn’t understand the “why” behind it, God would bless me for my faithfulness to Him and especially my husband.  During what seemed like the middle of this entire struggle Sean and I participated in our first Tough Mudder together.  (It was my 2^nd – I find it important to let people know that I have one more orange sweat band then the hubs.)  Though I am sure some think I’m crazy, but looking back, I see a great parallel in this race and with our marriage.  When I married Sean I made a pledge to love, honor and respect.  As a Tough Mudder you pledge to put team work and camaraderie before your course time.  For those that know nothing about Tough Mudder most of the obstacles are pretty brutal.  There are freezing temps involved, just like attitudes in marriage when stubbornness sets in.  There is a lot of mud, just like marriage when times are thick with worry and stress.  There are walls, very, very tall walls to climb over.  Walls, just like marriage when the walls of self defense fly up in an argument.  There is pain.  Pain in marriage of shock or disappointment.

 

(Tough Mudder AZ 2012)

 

As Sean and I embark on our 2^nd Tough Mudder together I am so thankful for God putting that godly friend of mine in my path.  And that I did put team work and camaraderie before anything.  I couldn’t imagine not having Sean to give me warm hugs even when my attitude doesn’t deserve to be blessed in this manner.  I couldn’t imagine not having him encourage and pray for me to get out of the muck and the mire.  I couldn’t imagine not having him climb over the tall walls to come and get me when I need him most.  And I couldn’t image not having him help me through the pains of life.  Actually, I probably could imagine it, but I choose not to.  And yes, through this long haul God has blessed me for my faithfulness.  I’ve had the privilege of seeing the Potter shape the clay that is my husband.  He’s unrecognizable to who he used to be.  He’s the godly man, father, husband God has created him to be.  And coming up next month we will be celebrating 18 years of marriage and 21 years together.  In the words of a Tough Mudder, Hoorah!!!