Two Are Better Than One

Greetings Dear Friend:

On August 9th, 2003, Justin and I vowed in front of God to join each other in marriage, working together through all the trials and triumphs of life until death parts us.  It feels as though twenty years has passed so quickly, but at the same time, truly understanding the vows we made has been a slow process.  We have learned so much about each other, truly building a life together.  Over the years, we have faced quite a few bumps in the road, but I can tell you the times that we turned toward each other instead of away only made our relationship stronger.

We often hear the phrase "tie the knot" in reference to marriage, which comes from a medieval tradition of using rope, cord, cloth, etc. to bind hands together during a wedding ceremony. This reminds me of a passage in the Old Testament, which discusses the importance of companionship.  (Look up Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).  It reminds us that two are better than one because we have the opportunity to lift one another up.  We were not made to venture through life alone.  This passage is not specifically talking about marriage; however, comparing the words found there with partnership through marriage can certainly encourage us in these relationships.  When companions allow God to be intertwined with their own cords, the relationship will be stronger than ever.

One last reference to knots and cord... When I started planning Barrett's nursery (over eight years ago), I knew I wanted a nautical theme.  We were given a sweet crib in a wood finish, and I ordered a glider in gray as there were only a handful of colors. I started dreaming of a dresser that would "tie" them together.  Justin and I tried to be frugal with things, knowing that I would soon be leaving my job to be home with Barrett.  We found a great dresser from the thrift store, and my imagination landed on a two-tone finish to combine both wood stain and gray paint.  Justin sanded and painted for weeks.  In the meantime, I started to work on a set of drawer pulls.  I learned how to make a monkey's fist knot from the internet, and diligently worked to create a perfect set of knots from a thin cord.  I was so proud of that dresser...so thankful for Justin's willingness to labor over this special piece of furniture.  

Our dresser didn't even last for two years before having to be thrown out on the curb due to flooding from Hurricane Harvey.  I cried a lot during that time, but I was brought to tears in a different way when I realized that Justin had removed and saved my knots before the dresser was hauled away.  With rust stains and dirt marks, I keep them tucked away in a small mason jar to remind myself of the care and concern my husband shows for me.  Focusing on the little joyful moments in life, while learning true contentment is what makes a happy marriage.  We do not get to live a life free of hardship, but we do get to choose how we respond to those tough trials.  Marriage can look and feel a lot like a threefold cord if we allow God to lead us.

Please remember us in your prayers. 

LOVE, THE DUFFEYS

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him - a threefold cord is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:12

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