Perspective

My husband, Andy, and I went hiking recently up West Rattlesnake Mountain in the NH Lakes Region. As we hiked up the trail, we focused on the challenge of the rocky terrain and the beauty of the new spring growth that was emerging.

When we got to the top, we stood in awe of the view. Squam Lake was spread out before us and Lake Winnipesaukee beyond that. We could see every detail of the lake and the land surrounding it. We watched boats as they traversed the water and Turkey Vultures as they soared on the thermals overhead.

As we were hiking up the trail, we didn’t know where we were in relation to the land around us. But when we sat down on the top, we could see the big picture. It was amazing. On the hike back down, we continued to take in the details around us, but now we had a much better sense of where we were.

It is the same in our marriages. As we are hiking the trail of our lives together, we are focusing on the day to day. Some parts of the trail are easier, some are harder. It is easy to lose track of the big picture and get lost in the details of the moment.

This past year I have been writing a book, A New Song: Bringing Love and Life Back Into Your Marriage. I have been sitting on top of the mountain overlooking 50 years of marriage.

Sitting up here has given me a greater, more detailed perspective. I can see how God has been moving through my life and teaching me through my marriage. As a result, I appreciate even more, where we are today.

Are you lost in the details of your marriage? I invite you to stop and spend some time looking out over the whole landscape.

What do you see?