Savannah – designed to endure.
Have you ever been to Savannah, GA? Some of our good friends are there right now resting after the marriage of their daughter (and last one to leave home) on Saturday. I got a text from her saying how beautiful and relaxing it was.
I’ve been to Savannah too, but my experience wasn’t the same. It was so hot and sticky I had to peel the humidity off of my fingers. We played golf, and I lost several balls that literally got sucked into the muddy ground. It was beautiful, but not so relaxing, and it didn’t leave the same fond memories in my mind as I’m sure my friend will have.
What made the difference? It was the climate of the season. One experienced fair weather, the other experienced hot, humid weather.
This begs the question–how’s the climate in your marriage?
You may be in a pleasant place where everything feels right. Or you may be in a hot and sticky situation where all you want is relief from the discomfort. Regardless of what you’re experiencing at the moment, you are still in “Savannah.” The place is the same. The history hasn’t changed. The only thing different is how the current weather is making you feel.
This is why we mustn’t depend on our feelings to dictate the value we place on what we have. No matter how terrible your marriage may be right now, God will help you. He will lead you to cooler weather as you listen to His direction and obey His commands. We have witnessed couples who were weathering severe storms in their marriage, but who continued to hold on to the Anchor of their soul. Our Heavenly Father is committed to helping us make our marriage one that glorifies Him. He may not make us comfortable each and every year, but He will give us comfort while we wait for the needed changes.
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This is post #9 in the challenge to post everyday in April.
The Romantic Vineyard 
Great post and so very true. I am divorced but I am currently in a relationship with a God fearing man and we plan to get married. Having a man that follows God makes all the difference in the world.
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Debi – What a wonderful coincidence … we were married in Savannah! I enjoyed your comparison of the climate of marriage with the climate of the season. While I love the sunny warm days, I wouldn’t know and experience the true joy of those times without having experienced cold, dark & desolate times. I especially wouldn’t appreciate the husband & marriage we now have had we not weathered the storms of past relationships, personal ups & downs, business & job changes, family issues, etc. We’ve found our anchors & are holding strong! Thank you for the beautiful analogy.
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Oh what a wonderful location to be married. So glad you have found your anchor. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Debi
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Encouraging post! God is surely able to do much more than we may suppose.
Stopping by from the Ultimate Blog Challenge FB page.
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Thank you, Linda!
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Debi,
This is so true. I pray for understanding and wisdom every day in the way I live my life, and in the way I treat my dear husband. Sometimes I just miss something, but it does make a world of difference when you marry a believer.
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Amy,
I miss many opportunities to love my husband in the right way, but I’m not where I used to be. Little by little, day by day God is at work in my heart making me more like Him. I’m not where I want to be, but oh, how thankful I am that I’m not who I used to be either.
You’re right, it makes all the difference marrying a believer, because we’re both being changed.
Great comment!
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I live in Savannah. I agree. The climate and time of the year can either make Savannah beautiful or miserable. I happen to agree about your point on marriage too!
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Thanks Nathan! It’s always good to hear from a local.
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I like what you said in this post about not letting our feelings dictate how we react to situations in marriage, making us feel hopeless. Emotion is not a good gauge for leaving… ever! But on a less drastic note, emotions aren’t a good gauge for how deeply we love… or even a reason to withhold love if the climate’s a bit chilly. We are called to love unconditionally… and while that’s painful sometimes, and very challenging, it’s worth fighting for marriage!
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