An Ethiopian folk tale tells of a wife’s determination to save her marriage. The story goes that a couple was having relationship trouble... so the wife goes to a judge and says she needs help. The judge tells her that he has a magic medicine that will solve her problem. However, the main ingredient is a hair from a lion’s tail. Loving her husband, the desperate woman agrees and goes out to acquire the hair. Day after day she stalks a lion waiting for her opportunity. Finally, one day she snatches the hair and races back to the judge...eager for the tonic that will save her marriage. The judge tells her... “that was a very brave thing you did... it took determination, patience, resolve, and courage. There is no magical potion. Instead of looking for the quick fix... demonstrate those same things in your relationship... and I promise it will get better.”
Marriage is wonderful. But I have yet to see one that hasn’t required hard work, compromise, understanding, forgiveness, and honesty to thrive. If you’re having trouble... don’t scour the bookstore or the internet for a shortcut. Reinvest your time in what built your bond from the start. As 1st Corinthians 13 tells us, love isn’t just a feeling... it’s a commitment. And when energy is spent on reinforcing that commitment rather than regretting it... great things can happen.
