Marriage Is More Than a Wedding…

“One of my students wrote… me… announcing his engagement,” said Wm. Lyon Phelps, “‘This is not going to be much of a wedding,’ he said, ‘but it is going to be a wonderful marriage.'”

This states a simple fact, sometimes overlooked⎯the fact that marriage is much more than a wedding⎯infinitely more. And among the foremost facts to be faced is that marriage is made up of the duties and routine and responsibilities of every day⎯day after day after day⎯and that marriage is a relationship of two imperfect people⎯a relationship that requires character, loyalty, common sense, common convictions, along with much giving up of self, and an unfaltering commitment to make it a success in the long and enduring sense.

“The art of living together happily, is perhaps one of the greatest of all the arts…” said Dr. Phelps. “Naturally,… all sorts of adjustments are called for. Quarrels and disputes are sure to come, [but] the great thing is not to let them last…”

In marriage “two distinct personalities must work toward one end,” said Temple Bailey. “It is not possible for a married couple to reach happiness with eyes fixed on different stars;… they must set up single ideal and work toward [it]… Cease cherishing impossible fancies of impossible futures. Take the best of [your] dreams and fit them to life as it comes every day.” “Divorce is failure.”

“The best goal,” said an eminent authority, “is the success of the marriage itself.” Put all things to that test⎯and remember that marriage is a relationship of two imperfect people⎯a relationship that requires character, loyalty, a sense of humor, common conviction, and common sense, along with much giving up of selfishness and self, and an unfaltering commitment to make it a success in the long and enduring sense.

Marriage is much more than a wedding. “Marriage is a fine and sacred thing if you make it so.”