It started out as a typical morning in the Ewing house, Brad and I both trying to convince each other why the other should be the one to take Drew to school at six am. Brad did, it was his turn. Brad gets Drew five minutes from school when Drew gets a text that his field trip has been called off due to weather. Sounds harmless, but Drew is dressed for a day in woods training K-9 dogs not in his school uniform. Home they go. Minor home irritations lead to some not so nice texts.

Then this afternoon a few weeks of hurts, frustration, and irritation mix together and boil for a moment, till I find myself erupting in tears. I call Brad and tell him I am coming home early. I walk in the door and he can tell I have been crying and he quickly responds.

It is dark and dreary outside, rain is steadily pounding on the roof. I have calmed down but hurts still swirl in my head. Brad begins to rub my shoulders as the tears gently roll down my face. His tenderness touches my heart and eases the frustrations.

Our morning began with unfriendly texts but our afternoon ended nurture for one another. It’s the ebb and flow of marriage. It is the “I’m sorry,” and the “I love you!” It is the fighting and forgiving. The giving and receiving.

There is deep theology to the meaning and purpose of marriage but there is also a practical reality. God created marriage to ease the pain of the world. God gave us a partner to rub away the rough world out there. Go take care of your mate.