It's called Marriage

So I saw this picture posted on Facebook this morning that kind of bugged me and made me think. This is what it said:

The reason this bugged me: They just described Marriage, so why not call it what it is? Marriage is a partnership. It is equally set between husband and wife. It takes work, yes, but only the very best things are worth fighting for and family is at the top of that list.

The post talks about commitment. "Somebody I'm not afraid to lose because I know they'll always be there." Some would argue that this commitment can be present outside the legal bonds of a formal marriage. But you know what? It's not the same. I cannot describe the joy I feel when I can look at my husband each morning and KNOW he made a commitment to me and our future family, and SO DID I.

The formality represents the seriousness of such a covenant between husband and wife. Marriage shows the ultimate sacrifice from BOTH parties. If you are not fully committed then your companion won't be either. The symbol of getting married in a formal ceremony is not an old tradition without meaning, it has a purpose. To get married is for both individuals to say 'I will be faithful forever and work hard to build this relationship'. If you are not willing to make this commitment at the appropriate time, then are you really committed?

I am not attempting to call anyone out with this. I actually seek to build others up because marriage is such a joyous thing. Yes it is hard, but so worth it. I fear that culturally we will lose this magnificent institution if we continue to call Marriage by a different name. As J.K Rowling so beautifully put it through Hermione Granger, "Fear of a name only increases the fear for the thing itself." If we cease to say marriage is marriage then marriage itself will fade. Everything in the above quoted picture describes what every human being wants--someone who loves them unconditionally, is always there in good times and bad, and is committed to being there forever. Sounds an awful lot like the classic civil marriage ceremony doesn't it?

Marriage is beautiful. I am so excited to grow up with my husband and go through all of life's challenges and changes together. I know he will be there every step of the way. We will humble each other as well as build each other up; always striving to do better, be better, and understand better. The day I got married was truly the happiest day of my life. I believe in fairytales. Not the 'love at first sight' kind, but the real kind where two people have developed such a relationship that they can't live without each other and will do anything to keep that going. Any two good, honest people can make a happy marriage if they work side by side to hold it up.

This is the true way to happiness. A partnership with an escape route just won't cut it. A partnership without really knowing what the future holds won't either. Don't wish for these instabilities, seek out a sure foundation. I don't want just any relationship either, I want a happy marriage with my best friend. And who wouldn't?