ForeverWandering.com

So as the weather has been getting warmer (especially since I’m in the South right now, but it has even been getting warmer at home, too) so warmth was on my mind today as I opened the door to step on the porch of the cabin where we’re staying for vacation.

The passage from Ecclesiastes below pretty much explains many of the reasons a marriage works if the two work as one.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Harmony (noun):
1. The combination of simultaneous musical notes in a chord
2. A pleasing or congruent arrangement of parts
3. An interweaving of differing accounts into a single narrative.

I often think about harmony because when I sing – I rarely sing the melody in songs. I, as well as some people that I was in choir with, had the knack for singing harmony. The songs (at least to me) sounded awesome because of this combination. But I’ve oftent thought (and said as much to my wife) that the harmony wouldn’t be…complete…if it was sung alone. That is why I usually have difficulty with solos. I find that something is missing.

During the past nine years of marriage to Sarah, and twelve years of dating, I find more and more that our lives are being woven into one – as they should be – and it took me this morning to look up the definition of harmony and seeing the third part of the definition to realize that this is harmony, as well. This really explains to me why I feel so complete with Sarah – not just because we are husband and wife. But because God has made that another harmony in my life – something that feels wrong if it is alone.

In 1 Peter 3:8, Peter says “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” So as I am commanded (and feel anyway, so that is a bonus) – I must continue to think of Sarah and I as a whole, instead of two parts. Otherwise…the harmony just wouldn’t sound as beautiful.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the word “honor.” Whether used to describe me or someone else, it is a word that I seem to be hearing a lot more lately.

Honor is defined as (and I’m only using some of the definitions, mind you):

Honor:
As a noun
1. Privilege
2. One whose worth brings respect
3. An evidence of symbol of distinction
4. A keen sense of ethical conduct or integrity
As a verb
1. To regard or treat with with admiration and respect
2. To give special recognition to

There are many people that I classify as “honorable people.” These are people who, for one or more of the reasons above, are memorable in many ways to me. I strive every day to live up to Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” I must strive to be honorable – not to be honored. I think that I forget about that at times. We must “desire to live honorably in every way” (Hebrews 13:18).

As I find peace and comfort in discipline and structure – “He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.” While being honored isn’t my goal, the blessing that can be shown to my family by being disciplined in my life – spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially, and more – is a goal I should always strive towards. I find that I sometimes need “corrections” in some of my prime earthly areas – doing my daily devotionals, keeping my family’s finances in check (and watching my spending), emotionally investing in my children (not just physical presence) – and if I don’t “listen” to God when he corrects me or gives me guidance, whether that is in my devotionals, through my wife, or something else, than I am doomed.

If I need it in my earthly life, God will honor me on Earth – otherwise, my goal, job, and mission is to be honorable so others can know Him and hopefully see His example.