Reaching The First Destination

Anytime you travel, although you have one main destination, you go through a few short destinations before you reach the ultimate one. The moment you get off the bus, you may board one or two taxis before you reach home (the ultimate destination). Such also happens in relationships. After counseling, the next destination is the setting of the date and preparations for the marriage.

The first destination is the setting of the date for the marriage. Setting the date signifies the union you are about to have and that everlasting life you are going to share. Some people don’t know the meaning of the date they set but I don’t blame them. People are usually in a haste to get married; therefore they don’t understand the preparations they make.

Here is an acronym for the DATE you set for your marriage. The ‘D’ stands for:

·         DETERMINATION

From the Collins Pocket Dictionary, determination means “firmly decided, unable to be dissuaded.” This means that you must make up your mind that no matter what happens, you’ll stick to your partner without been dissuaded by the situation or pressures around. You have decided to be with your partner forever and to spend your entire life with him or her.

Anytime you set a date for your marriage, remember that you have made a firm decision to spend your entire life with your partner, so determine that no matter what comes your way, you shall be there for each other. If you are determined to excel in life, you break all the odds, obstacles and challenges to achieve what you’ve wished for; let this be your attitude also in marriage.

You have to break all the odds, obstacles and challenges that come your way to be able to stick to each other; if not, you will be easily persuaded and influenced by others to break the spirit of determination. Always be determined, not easily influenced by situations or people around.

Determination leads to success therefore if you are truly determined, your marriage will go a long way despite all the challenges and obstacles. Always remember that the date is also part of the marriage since it actually seals the deal.

The ‘A’ stands for:

·         ASSURANCE

Assurance is a state of mind in which one is free from doubt. If you assure somebody of something, you make a commitment to do (or not to do) something in the future. When the date is set for the marriage ceremony, it brings assurance to both partners. It makes both parties aware of the marriage they are about to enter. Once the date is set, it shows that both partners are convinced that they can make it through the marriage and that they are meant for each other.

When someone assures you of something, the person makes a promise to do something. In a marriage, both partners assure each other of their love and promise to stay true to each other. Assurance binds people together because they have made a commitment to each other. It becomes difficult to be separated since they make a promise to love and to cherish each other. The date marks the day when they actually profess their desire to undertake the journey of marriage. Hence, before entering into a marriage, let the ‘date’ speak for you.

Rest assured in God and your partner—do not allow anybody or any problem to tear you apart. In the date is the assurance, so always allow the ‘date’ to manifest itself in the marriage you are about to undertake.

The ‘T’ in DATE stands for:

·         TRUTHFULNESS

Being truthful is not easy for worldly people. However, it is your duty as a child of God to be truthful since your Father is a truthful God. Always be truthful no matter how hard the situation is. Marriages nurtured with truth always bring about happiness since there are no secrets kept from each other.

As you set the date, remember that you have made a promise to be truthful to each other even though the truth may hurt sometimes. Don’t fill your heart with secrets, for someday it shall surely come out. Everything that is hidden can be found. Always be truthful, abounding in grace of the Almighty God.

The Bible makes us understand that speaking the truth sets you free, clearing all guilt and heaviness in your mind and heart. Learn to speak the truth always, for it shall bring you happiness, joy, long life and prosperity.

The last letter ‘E’ represents:

·         ENJOYMENT

After determination, assurance and truthfulness, then comes enjoyment. Enjoy the marriage with love, care, respect for each other, and gentleness. Remember the ‘date’ seals the marriage, so now is the time for both of you to enjoy what you’ve waited so long for.

Marriage without enjoyment and happiness is useless, hence make sure that the marriage you are about to enter brings you happiness, joy, love and fulfillment. Enjoy it to the fullest; withstand temptations, challenges, obstacles and all the odds associated with it.

Spark up your marriage, always trying something new to boost the love and happiness in your marriage. Do not let the marriage become stale—always try new ideas and actions to put a spark in your relationship. Find ways to make the marriage attractive to each other. Blend your love, care, respect and trust with the word of God for God is your stronghold, adviser and helper.

You now know what the ‘date’ stands for in marriage—determination, assurance, truthfulness and enjoyment.

Always remember God first!!
Have a blessed weekend peeps!!! xoxo

 Nhyira