Marriage Moats-Protect It

Published: Thu, 09/01/11

Marriage Moats

Caring for Marriage

At camp this summer we had a game of protecting an egg in preparation for dropping it off a balcony. The supplies included straws, paper plates, balloons and cups. We formed into teams and began creating aerial nests that would slow the descent and soften the impact when we let go of the unsuspecting eggs.

The dramatic dropping was a hoot. Some contraptions swooped, others thudded. One twirled like a ballerina, another looked like a lady's Easter hat. Some of the little white orbs stayed as white orbs while others smashed and oozed yellow.

It was only a game but it got me thinking. How do we go about protecting things that can easily be broken? There is, as a matter of fact, a fabulous movie called Not Easily Broken that tells the story of a marriage that survived a fall. I have watched it numerous times and I always cry at the end.

I notice that what I listen to while I drive can protect or shatter my love of marriage. Currently I am re-listening to talks from decades ago by people who love what I am trying to love. I know snatches by heart. It feels good, as if I am being swaddled. Other times I find myself listening to stuff that unravels me, either because it is depressing or tells me too much about someone else's travesties. Sometimes I remember to change the channel.

I do have a choice. I get to pick the station or the cd. I do not seem to have as much choice when it comes to being tossed off a balcony.

Photo by Andy Sullivan

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