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Simple advice that has a way of giving me drive and focus.
So often considered in light of some big project or fitness goal, this phrase struck me as the ultimate mission statement for marriage. While most would think of “the end” as a finished product or result, we can think of it too as the objective or purpose, the end of which for marriage is heaven – the mutual salvation of spouses.
Holy Orders and Matrimony, are directed towards the salvation of others; if they contribute as well to personal salvation, it is through service to others that they do so. (CCC 1534)
When we get down to brass tacks, the point of being married is to help each other grow in holiness and do the best we can to help our spouses achieve heaven. Examined under this lens, aren’t a lot of the stressors in our lives just noise? There are daily struggles and tension over schedules, work, chores, kids – anything that falls under the umbrella of “married life”; but, if we can recognize that the smallest details and disagreements, bumps in the road, and moments of bliss are all blessings from God which allow for a much grander purpose than surface value – that it’s all ordered to holiness – then we can more easily let go of any and all bothers, or at least handle them with grace.
So drown out the noise. The greatest struggle in your marriage has the potential to be the most sanctifying. Begin with that end in mind.
