Young couple finds vocation in married life
From the standpoint of a young, unmarried person, marriage must seem like a bum deal—accountability, limits on one’s free time, extra responsibilities, and having to put up with a bunch of new “friends” and family.
And really, who could blame them? Being able to go where you want and do what you want with very few strings attached seems like a life of ultimate freedom.
There are many things to be gained through such a life but they are only that: things. What was once new and exciting inevitably becomes mundane. Time hurries on and one becomes discontent and unfulfilled and left wondering “What next?”
The reason for this feeling is quite simple: Man has a greater calling. We are creatures of reason and purpose, not beasts that exist solely to feed our appetites. We have an inherent dignity and are drawn towards virtue. When one realizes this and strives for that virtue one finds the true meaning and purpose of their lives—their vocation.
For some that vocation may be to a life of service, perhaps in religious life. We found (as many others have before us) our vocation in marriage. It is everything we hoped it would be and many things we hoped it wouldn’t be all at the same time. It is an incredible life-long commitment that’s an awful lot of work but in the end, it is all worth it
Marriage yields many fruits to those who enter it and work at it. It is similar to an athlete who trains in a particular event. The more discipline and effort they put into that event the better they will become at it and the greater and more impressive the results will be. As an athlete exercises their muscles, a spouse exercises charity. Each and every day must be an exercise in self-giving and love.
Each day there must be a conscious choice made to not act for one’s own happiness and well-being but for that of the other. In this way, an environment is created in which all problems can be faced and overcome, the innermost secret feelings can be shared, and absolute trust in each other provides stability.
Can you imagine such security? It’s like always having someone to watch your back as well as always having a cause to fight for. It gives you confidence and courage. Job interviews aren’t nerve-wracking anymore. Why? Because you are doing it for someone else and even if it doesn’t go well, you will still be the best. Doing chores isn’t such a hassle anymore. Why? It is because you are now making a home.
Spending extra time and effort making sure something is great instead of just sufficient is worth it for the chance to see your spouse smile.
When you truly share everything, holding nothing back, marriage gives its greatest gift—children. In nothing short of a miracle, a new life is actually created in response to the love of the couple. The married persons are called to participate in the creative act of God himself. It is a great honor and a great responsibility. The charity that is practiced by the parents will pass onto the child who will, in turn, seek their own calling.
A painter’s medium is paint and a sculptors’ medium is stone, but in marriage the medium is life itself.
So you see, marriage provides a solid foundation on which to build your life as well as give it purpose and power. All of those sacrifices mentioned above are a pittance for such a prize. The burden taken on serves to make one strong. This power to do good is the ultimate freedom.
The best part is that the good that exists within a marriage affects all society around it. Societies comprised of good families can affect countries which in turn affect the world. Create good marriages and the rest sorts itself out.
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