"I’m a big fan of athletics and
sports in general. One time, while travelling, I watched a documentary about the
former 100-meter world champion, Usain Bolt. The documentary revealed the
gruelling routine he endured each morning - hours before dawn, he and his coach
would be out climbing hills and training intensely. Reflecting on this, it’s
striking how Bolt made the 100-meter sprint seem effortless. On the field, he
would point in a certain direction, smile, and high-five people, making it look
like a breeze. Yet, behind those few seconds of race-time was years of
demanding and inconvenient preparation. The effortless appearance of his
performance was the result of countless hours of hard work and
dedication."
Preparing for marriage is much like
preparing for a race that will affect every aspect of your life. Research shows
that not only the quality but also the length of your life can be influenced by
the state of your marriage. Many young people and singles underestimate the
importance of thorough preparation before marriage, believing they know what
they’re doing, relying on prayer, or thinking they can figure things out as
they go. However, it’s crucial to look before you leap! Don’t build your
marriage on assumptions. While meeting someone is a great start, it’s vital to
do your due diligence. Understand who you’re getting married to and where they
come from.
Work on yourself first - build your
character, nurture your relationship with God, and ensure you are becoming a
valuable partner. Likewise, ensure that your partner is also growing in these
areas. Both of you should be committed to the relationship, preparing for the
future together, and taking God’s word seriously."
As you get to know each other, it’s
important to discuss and understand various aspects of your lives - your family
backgrounds, educational histories, upbringing, and how these elements have
shaped you as individuals. Explore your spiritual backgrounds, temperaments,
strengths, cultural differences, goals, visions, and alignment of purpose. Make
sure to cover all these areas in your conversations and understand how they
have influenced both of you.
Plan together, start adjusting to each other,
and prepare not just for the wedding but for the life that follows. Ensure you
are embarking on this journey with someone who aligns with your values and
goals. When challenges arise, and they will, as even Jesus faced storms, you
want to be certain that your partner is someone you can weather any storm with.
Don’t overlook the importance of being introspective - ask questions, seek
clarity, and ensure you are both on the same page spiritually and in life
goals. Pursue a relationship with purpose and alignment."
Take the time to carefully evaluate
before committing - ensure you're embarking on this journey with the right
partner and focus on the factors that will contribute to a lasting and
fulfilling relationship, rather than just focusing on the act of getting married.
“Look before you leap”.
Call to Action:
·
Reflect and Assess: Before
taking the leap into marriage, take a step back and evaluate your relationship.
Are you and your partner aligned in your values, goals, and spiritual beliefs?
Are you both committed to growing together and supporting each other?
·
Communicate Thoroughly: Engage in
deep conversations about your backgrounds, dreams, and expectations. Ensure you
understand each other’s past influences, cultural differences, and future
aspirations.
·
Prepare for the Long Haul: Focus on
building a solid foundation for your marriage by addressing potential
challenges and aligning your purposes. Make plans together for both the wedding
and the life that follows.
·
Seek Guidance: Consult trusted advisors,
mentors, or counselors to gain additional perspectives and advice. They can
provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.
·
Act with Intent: Don't rush into marriage
based on assumptions. Be proactive in preparing for a long-lasting
relationship, ensuring that you and your partner are on the same page and ready
to face life’s storms together.
Take these steps to ensure that your
journey into marriage is with a partner who will support and grow with you for
a lifetime.