In discussing ideas of worship with others, I’ve run across those that can be classified as emotional saps that will follow their feelings anyway the wind blows. Then there are those that don’t trust their feelings and are always on guard against any kind of manifestation of emotion. In pondering the need for balance, an idea hit me that I will now apply to something a bit more tangible - love/marriage.

I think emotion and logic/facts both serve two different purposes in our humanity. Emotion when applied properly, is the fuel of passion in a relationship. It builds love up and satisfies on a level that cold, hard facts cannot satisfy. It writes poems. It cleans the kitchen without being asked. It shares hopes, fears and dreams. It’s what changes sex into making love. But what happens when emotions fade or even fail by leading in the wrong direction?

That’s where logic/fact comes in. When reminders tend to sound like cheap shots - when conversations become arguments - when the co-worker seems to understand you more than your spouse - THAT is when you need to fall on the cold, hard fact of the committment you made the day you got married. Even though it doesn’t feel natural or convenient, you made a committment in front of God, family, and friends to love and cherish your spouse. You cannot deny it. Once you are resolved in your committment to the marriage again, add more fuel by remembering why you got married in the first place. Encourage your spouse and take the time to grow back together.

Remember the committment, remember the first love, and over time the emotion will return.