HAPPILY EVER AFTER

For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. Ephesians 5:31

An estimated two billion people watched as Prince William arrived with Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London.

It seemed like a fairy tale in many ways, as Kate Middleton, a commoner, was chosen by Prince William to become a member of the British royal family.

One article chronicling the event concluded by saying, "The prince kissed his bride in front of a third of the planet. Then he and his princess hopped in an Aston Martin and drove off happily ever after."

So how does a couple live happily ever after? Many experts were chiming in with advice for the royal couple as the wedding approached.

The Buddhist head priest in London said the secret to a happy marriage is to meditate daily.

One celebrity said the secret to a happy marriage is doing Pilates together.

Then an article in the Boston Globe said, recent research had revealed that the secret to a happy marriage is delusion.

If you are a bit delusional about your partner when you get married, then you will be more satisfied with your marriage than those who see things for what they really are.

I don't think the key to a good marriage is being delusional, however. I think the key is being practical and spiritual.

It was Benjamin Franklin who said, "Keep your eyes wide open before marriage and half shut afterward."

The problem is that a lot of people go into marriage with their eyes half shut and keep their eyes wide opened afterwards. They are in a rush to get married. And that is a big mistake.

Marriage depends on two things: Finding the right person and being the right person. So let's be realistic. No man or woman will meet the deepest needs of our lives.

Instead, our contentment should come from our relationship with God.

Prayer: Lord, help me honour You by honouring my marriage.

Scriptural Reading: Ephesians 5:22-33