Role of God in our marriage cannot be underestimated

   
    If something around the house isn’t working right, we’re quick to “Google search” a way to fix it. Maybe we run the anti-virus software on the computer or even call out a service technician for the dishwasher. Either way, we’re seeking to resolve the issue so that we can get things back to normal.
    A marriage shouldn’t be any different. God plays such a pivotal role in my marriage, as he should in any marriage.
    If my wife and I have a disagreement, I can easily jump to my Bible app and search “love.” One of the top search results is sure to be 1 Corinthians 13, which states that “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude…”
    Reading that passage quickly puts me into the mindset that this isn’t about me – it’s about us. And through God’s grace, we can overcome any obstacles.
    Since getting married, I find myself reflecting more on life and what it has to offer. How I talk, how I walk and how I listen have all been affected by my marriage. Initially, I would only turn to God if I had an issue in my marriage. Now, I tend to make sure that he is a part of my initial action so that conflicts can be minimized.
    Also, at the end of each day, I take time to pray with my wife. Sometimes, we read sacred Scripture. Other times, we recite a traditional prayer. By praying with my wife and seeking his will, I tend to uncover so many things that God has in store for us; his answers are through his works. Those works are a constant reminder that God really does know what’s best for our marriage.
    My wife Anissa has this to offer:
    Be open to change. Change is something that cannot be avoided. Embrace it by focusing on “what is” rather than on “what should be.”
    Learn to listen. Real listening is based on intention. If your intention is just about getting your own point across, then you cannot effectively listen.
    Be grateful, each day, for one thing about your spouse. Look at the positive rather than the negative; your marriage will thrive.
    Anissa and Kevin Coleman are members of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Marrero.