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[av_heading heading=’BORDERLESS | For eternity and beyond’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY RHODA CAMPILLAN
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Thursday, June 15, 2017
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A LOT of teenagers would usually ask, “Meron bang forever?” or “Sino ang aking forever?”
My parents are classic examples of “forever.” They celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary yesterday. In a matter of three years, they will commemorate their 40th wedding anniversary. I am amazed with their overflowing love, patience and dedication. I have witnessed the ups and downs of their marriage. I felt their joys and sorrows. I experienced their undying love for each other and our family.
Sometimes I ask myself: Would I be able to reach this far in my marriage? I am praying hard that I will. My mother is a believer of positivity and never-say-die attitude. For her, once you marry a person, you should be with this person until the end, no matter what. She would always tell me, you have to accept the person for who he is. She warned me to never attempt to change your partner’s attitude just because you are uncomfortable with or don’t like it. Once you married the person, you have to learn to love him just the way he is. Staying married is a choice, she told me. You have the choice to leave or stay. I pondered on that and, indeed, it is true.
She reminded me that, despite our differences in beliefs and attitudes, we should always be patient with and pray for each other. Now I understand why my parents reached this far. Their journey was not a walk in the park. It was never a bed of roses. But they managed to work out their differences and continue to love each other every day. Ah, true love, sweet love!
Furthermore, each love story is exceptional. Each experience is unique. I stumbled online — via a Pinterest post by club31women — helpful tips to make a big difference in one’s marriage. The tips may not hold true to everyone but, somehow, I find them very helpful.
First, greet your partner warmly. It will sustain the fire and will make you both feel good of each other. Start the day right by greeting your partner warmly.
Second, offer a kind word. Kind words melt the heart. You have no idea how kind words could make a miracle, especially if your partner experiences trouble. He or she will appreciate you more with the kind words you say.
Third, give thanks. Be grateful always. Be thankful for the presence of your partner. Be grateful for all the acts of love he or she has done for you.
Fourth, speak the truth. Lies can destroy the marriage. Trust is important, so telling the truth is a must.
Fifth, look at the bright side. When hardships beset the marriage, optimism will pave the way for you to overcome all difficulties. Always be positive that something right will come out from all the wrong that is happening.
Sixth, pray for each other. This is my personal favorite. Pray for strength, patience and more love. Putting God in the center of the relationship will make the marriage strong and blessed.
Seventh, forgive fully. Everyone commits mistakes. It is difficult to forgive, especially if you have been hurt badly. Even if it is hard, learn to forgive. Start all over again. Easier said than done, but that’s the way it is. If you want the marriage to work out, forgive with all your heart.
And eighth, decide you’re going to love each other. Loving a person is both a decision and a choice. If you decide to love that person for eternity, then so be it.
I would like to end with a beautiful quote, and I offer this to my parents (Nanay and Tatay): “A true relationship is two imperfect people refusing to give up on each other.” (rcampillan@usa.edu.ph/PN)
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