(Because Daniel was a pastor for 40 years, we have counseled couples who have hit the proverbial wall in their relationship, ready to throw-in the towel and walk away. It is always a joy for us to see couples mend their relationships and move forward into healthier and stronger marriages. But it is sorrowful for us when we labor in love with a couple whose husband and/or wife can't, or won't do the work to begin the healing process where so much devastation has happened to their relationship. Such was the case for one couple we had been working with several years ago. When we went home and debriefed, the following analogy popped into my head. While I acknowledge that there are valid reasons for divorce and that some reading this have gone through it , it is not God's intention, or His best for us.)
When the Twin Towers in New York City were hit by airplanes September 11, 2001, many people quickly realized that their time on Earth was very limited.
That fateful morning, one action was repeated countless times by anyone who had access to a phone. It was to call someone that meant the most to them—their loved ones—and say their final goodbyes…and say that they loved them.
People faced with certain death wanted to hear “I love you” and they wanted that to be their last words to their loved ones.
“I love you”.
How simple.
How profound.
How strange…
that there are husbands and wives at odds with each other---in stand-offs---waiting for the other one to give in and admit they are wrong.
Sadder still are those contemplating and planning the severing of a marriage and a family to pursue a life of supposed peace…fulfillment…contentment.
How sad.
So much living still to be done, and yet the living is dammed-up with petty arguments in which beginnings have been lost and forgotten in the escalating war of words and hurtful actions.
Who will wave the white flag?