The Strategy of Marriage
Do you like playing games? We do! Take it from us, we are competitive and hate to lose. We have challenged one another in everything from Ms. Pac Man to Monopoly. We even play a few interactive games on our cell phones. There is much to be gained from the games we play, if we choose to open our minds and look for the lessons learned.
The one overwhelming requirement necessary to play almost any game is strategy. You must have a plan of attack. An approach to how you will be victorious over your opponent or against the game itself (i.e. solitaire, black jack). In some instances, you must mount a strong defense to prevent your opponent from overtaking and defeating you. There are other instances where you may have to consider a different tactic or approach in order to win. Some games require you to exercise quick judgement while other games require critical thinking and moves several steps ahead.
Similar to the types of strategy we employ in the games we play, there must also be a strategy employed in marriage. Let’s be clear, we are not suggesting that marriage is a game! Marriage is serious business. A calling for work and compromise. A union designed to be fulfilling and fun. But ask yourselves, what is your approach to marriage? Are children involved and if so, how will they be raised? What happens when you and your spouse don’t see eye to eye? How will you deal with outside influences of strangers, friends and even family members? What will you do when adversity knocks (it surely will at some point)? Or perhaps, how will you two deliver against a shared vision?
These are just a few basic questions of many that must be considered and discussed at some point and whatever the solution, it will almost undoubtedly require a strategy or approach to ensure winning success in your marriage. As wonderful as marriage is, it is full of unknown and unexpected twists and turns; highs and lows; risks and rewards. Being on the same accord with your spouse is critical and even if you cannot, striking a healthy compromise is key.
We challenge you and your spouse to focus on ways to enhance your marriage and increase it’s success. Think about what needs to be done to strengthen safeguards around your marriage to keep it protected against negative influence. Consider steps you must take to ensure your marriage serves as an example for others to follow. It’s all about creating and maintaining a winning strategy. What is yours?