Just like Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer there are seasons in marriage. There is the season of falling in love and the beginnings of a marriage. These are special times of highs and sometimes lows as two lives join to form a partnership. Depending on whether this is a first marriage or a subsequent marriage, each person brings a history of expectations and unfinished business to the new relationship. Fitting together a new life can be challenging.

There is the season of busyness as children are added to the family and financial and career pressures build. Often, marriages are strained during this season. Sometimes couples drift apart as children become the center of the home rather than the marriage.

There is the season of transitions, as children leave to pursue their own lives, when health difficulties may appear, or retirement is taken.

Finally, there is a season of aging, with losses of partners and lifestyle changes. Most couples promise to love one another through all of these seasons “until death do us part”. The promise is made sincerely but often the reality of the challenges is overwhelming. Through all of the seasons, it is wise to seek guidance and perspective from someone who can identify historical issues and assist a couple to work through the current issues.

A happy and rewarding marriage is possible!

-Larcy