I'm a guy, 40-something, married to the love of my life and my best buddy for almost 21 years. We've got a 19-year-old son, who is indeed the pride of our lives. But, I've got to tell you...as much as I love and have loved our son from the time he was born, I love his mom even more! She is truly the love of my life, and I'm pretty sure she'd say the same thing about me!
I'm also a pastor, and when I talk to couples who are planning to get married, I always, always tell them that their relationship with each other is the MOST IMPORTANT relationship next to their relationship with God. Always!
Call me crazy, I guess, but I'm saving this article on my home page!
You're crazy.
I happen to agree with you. Here is how I see it. Your kids leave you when they are grown and they should, this is the way it works. If you put them first in your life then when they are gone you have nothing left.Lots of divorces occur because of this syndrome. Your spouse should be the main love of your life because they will be with you until you die, or they should be at any rate!
Children grow up, leave home, form families of their own, don't need their parents as much. My husband will be here after our last one leaves the nest, and I still want to know who he is and what he thinks when we're alone again.
I agree. One of the best gifts we can give our children is the gift of two parents in a strong, loving marriage. I have been married 24 years and never felt that my husband and children had to compete for my affection. Cause the affection for my husband is different than that for my children. And a good Christian marriage should include a very healthy sex life. Also it should be noted we give love to our children hoping that they will become independent strong moral adults who can move on to their own lives. We give love to our spouses cause we really hope they stay. The good ones that is.
It's called the PRIORITIES in life, GOD first, then your spouse, then your family.
Thank you for your post. I am single, 28 yrs old. The product of divorced parents (I was 2 at the time). I gotta tell you, I long for this type of relationship. I don't see anything wrong with this article. Children grow up and leave. Your spouse is forever. A buddy once told me "Don't marry someone you can live with. Marry someone you can't live without.
Ulysses, I am definitely with you. My wife and I understand that our boys get a great sense of stability and confidence from seeing that my wife and I are first in each others eyes, as God is first even before us.
I agree. It's not that you love your spouse "more" so much as "differently" as I see it. If a woman fails her husband while raising kids, that INCREASES the chance for marital strife and divorce later. A healthy relationship (that includes but is not limited to a satisying sex life) is more beneficial to the kids than ignoring Dad while taking care of them.
Disclaimer: Currently I'm unmarried and childless.