Does Marriage Take Work?

Does Marriage Take Work?

Open any book on marriage and the answer will be a resounding "YES"!

I struggle with this.

Let me tell you why.

The word, "Work", has such a negative connotation. Most of us don't really like to work and find work something we have to do to survive. Many of us think of work as that which is not enjoyable or pleasurable. Work is certainly something I do not want to do.

While we certainly have to invest our energy, time, and effort into creating a healthy marriage, and while creating a healthy marriage is not easy or simple, (often extremely difficult), I wish there were another word rather than "work."

I like the idea that marriage takes nourishment. It gives me the sense that it requires care like a gardener loves her flowers.

I like the idea that marriage takes energy. This gives me the sense that it requires attention like the sun gives us life.

I like the idea that marriage takes effort. This gives me the sense that it requires strength like a marathon runner.

I like the idea that marriage takes commitment. This gives me the sense that it requires deep dedication like a musician studying his art.

I like the idea that marriage takes creativity. This gives me the sense that it requires the beauty and unique gifts of each partner.

So, while technically, I suppose I agree with the idea that marriage takes "work", I hold in my heart that work is somewhere I go, a description of housework, or what I do when I'm making myself do a job I dislike.

In my mind marriage takes, nourishment, effort, energy, creativity, commitment... and most of all love.