And the best part is I feel like I ve found a friend for life. Perhaps you have felt like Beth. Whether you ve been married five or 15 or 50 years, you ve probably discovered that married friendship doesn t just happen. The oneness marriage creates involves the heart, will, mind and emotions. Nurturing friendship helps couples connect in all these ways.
Friendship also provides a model for family life.
When children see that mom and dad talk things through, respect each other and work together, it sets a pattern for all family interaction. It also provides a strong sense of security that gives children a foundation for healthy relationships throughout life. Finally, married friendship mirrors the love of Jesus to the world. It takes time and intentional effort to nurture friendship. Like salmon swimming upstream, marriages are bombarded by demands that sweep across the path of friendship.