Who ever said that marriage is like an old pair of shoes? I really don’t know. Yet today, marriage for many people is not taken seriously as being sacred. A bless union between husband and wife arranged by God.

In reflection, many people began marriage basking in the glow of sizzling passion, wrapped up in the glowing embers of love. However, after the flame fire dies down, some realize the dissatisfaction; dillusion with their spouse or even worse, with the entire  marriage arrangement. What remains is living apart in a house with only the marriage license. Whereby a distant isolation is felt.

What has happened to upset true love and family happiness? Many times these tenets are due to the following scenarios:

* A 40% salary cut

*  Dwindling savings

*  High stress work environment

*  Children issues

*  Credit card debt

These issues can rip couples apart. It could even result in marriage casualty.

When a husband and wife are not on the same page, a heavy burden is put on marriage harmony.  Have you ever heard someone say, “I don’t want to live like this anymore!” If you are married, have you ever felt the same way?  However, the larger danger stems from communication and mule headedness. Whereby terrible elements are displayed such as:

* Wife battering

* Cheating on spouse

* Lying

* Blatant disrespect for home values

* Not taking marriage seriously

* Extreme selfishness

Looking at some troubled marriages, what is missing are guiding principles for a happy and successful family life. As I recall in this area is the respectful counsel that says, “what God has yoked together, let no man pull apart.” - Matther 9:20.

You know we all have flaws. No man or woman living today is perfect.  So differences between genders are inevitable. The solution key is to handle conflicts in a loving way, whereby compatibility is achieved.

Whistle for family happiness as you practice these following suggestions:

* Keep line open communication

* Practice family team work

* Goal focus priorities

* Display reasonableness

* Forgive freely

* Love each other from the heart

* Build a solid foundation on Bible principles

Husbands should love and cherish their wife like they would care for a flawless, multifacet diamond, that is in your possession. It will be witnessed by others, how you care for your wife.

It’s the role of the husband and wife that will determine how successful their children will be as they later become parents.

Marriage is not a old worned pair of shoes, ready for the trash can, but is our firm society foundation that is at stake. What do you think?