How Relationships Are Like Trees
October 20, 2020
During my recent travels I came across this tree. It caught my attention enough that I pulled over to take a quick photo. It was a pretty, shapely tree, but it was clearly caught in transition. Was it still summer? Half of it seemed to think so. Or, was it ready for fall? Was it thriving… or slowly dying? It seemed unsure of itself. One thing for certain, it was certainly divided – almost down the middle – much like our country seems to be on so many issues these days.
My first thought when I saw this tree was ME! I can relate to this tree! 2020 has been a year for the record books and my brain doesn’t always know if it’s coming or going.
My second thought was ‘What a great visual for marriage!’
Like this tree, relationships are constantly in transition, moving from season to season. This is especially true in an intimate relationship like marriage. Sometimes the both of you will be on the same page. There will be good seasons and tough ones, but you’ll seamlessly shift from one to the next. At other times you may find yourselves in completely different places, with one of you thriving and full of life and the other struggling to hold onto your …..leaves. Meanwhile your marriage feels stuck. I get it. I’ve been there myself. You can listen to my story here.
Regardless of where your marriage sits today though, my message to you is to hold tight and realize this, too, shall pass. If you are in a sweet season, I hope you take the time to truly enjoy and appreciate the beauty of it and of each other. Build deep roots and strengthen the foundation of your relationship so you’re prepared for the harder seasons that will come.
If you’re in the middle of a hard season, hang in there and wait it out. When a tree loses its leaves, it stands tall waiting for better days ahead. All marriages have hard seasons and statistics show that most make it through them. If you and your marriage need someone to help you see the possibilities ahead, let’s talk.
How healthy is your marriage?
ready to have a conversation?
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