Imagine living alone for most of a century in some remote region of the earth, then having an occasion to visit one of today’s cities where modern life is seen for the first time. What kinds of thoughts and feelings would this present?

This was Ragnar Jonsson’s experience. Jonsson was a fur trapper who lived in Iceland, close to the Arctic Circle. Two years often passed without him speaking to another person. It was the need for cataract surgery on his “shooting eye” that brought him to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Accustomed to traveling by dogsled, Jonsson was amazed at speeding traffic throughout this metropolis. Puzzled as to why there are not more accidents he said, “They all seem to be in a horrible hurry to get somewhere and they burn up a lot of precious gasoline trying to get there.”

Obviously, our lives are quite different from Jonsson’s. Until the pandemic, we dwelt in the midst of an inferno called “hurry.”  Consequently, few of us were able to live in the “now,” enjoying the moments and hours as Jonsson could in an Arctic wilderness. Instead, most of our todays were spent reminiscing our “yesterdays” freedoms and plotting our “tomorrows” mini adventures. Looking back, this could seem as if we were settling for an odd sort of slavery. Spontaneity became difficult to experience. Things have changed. We now have much more time to think of changes that are sure to come—hopefully sooner than later.

We can plan our lives a little differently. With this in mind I think of June, normally known as the month of many weddings: a time of hearts linking—pledging their eternal love. Still, the vibrations of our times are sure to present challenges. Below are a few observations on what may promote the best chances for a marriage.

First, from the beginning, keep it simple. Slow down your lives as much as possible. It is not what you do, accomplish or accumulate that counts. It’s all about focusing on your love—and the goals that love can spin. Know that God is in your love; learning to treasure it, above all else, will bring empowerment to you as a couple.

No matter how hectic life gets, find time for one another. Play together. Courtships always start with play; through it bonding begins. It is strange how so many couples shortly after the honeymoon allow work to become their major thrust. Yet, if the fabric of life is to be laced with happiness, play has to continue.

When children come, see them as the magnificent blessing they are, yet do not let them come between you. The relationship the two of you have must be guarded as a sacred gift. Money budgeted for periodic weekends alone will surely pay high dividends in the long haul.

Still, the ingredient a couple needs most is a deep abiding belief that God has a plan for their lives—and that their “couple love” can make a difference in a chaotic world. Such a belief will present an inspired, undergirding strength during difficult days, which we all do have.

Contrary to what some may think, simply loving one another is not enough to produce a good marriage. But a couple that holds a joint belief that they are a vital part of the Divine Plan has additional inspiration in life. Christians believe Christ is a partner in their marital union. This brings the ability to find maximum fulfillment in marital love and goes a long ways toward avoiding getting confused, wondering, at times, what purpose there is in the hard work and sacrifice marriage and family life requires.

Another vital factor in marriage is that of keeping the lines of communication open. Much like weeding a garden. It takes continual effort and hard work, but is eminently rewarding.

A good marriage takes work, yes, and even more than love and play. It will ideally include prayer and a desire for God’s guidance while making decisions together. This means building your marriage on a firm foundation, one which will stand firm when storms come.

Building your house on the foundation of faith offers the best possible hope for marital permanence in the tempestuous days we are currently experiencing.

Even so, God is “the blessed controller” of all things.

Faith is built through reading God’s Word. So, hold fast to passages such as Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Take heart. God will be with you all the way! All you have to do is ask!

NOTE: This column was prepared by Joy Smith and her husband, Gary, who celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary last Christmas. Gary says, “We still play together and make one another laugh.”