Marriage Is a College Road Trip

I think marriage is like a college road trip. Don’t ask me, ask my friend. Several days ago I emailed some local Air Force guys about their life in the military as research for the current series I’m preaching through, “I Want a New Marriage.” One of them emailed back with a great metaphor for military life, which is eerily similar to marriage. Here’s what he wrote me:

“Military life is pretty much like a road trip you start off on with some college friends you don’t know too well. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but you’re too young to think through all the ramifications of the decision you just made. You aren’t in charge of bathroom breaks or food stops or even the route of travel. You’ll see some beautiful sights along the way and watch the sunset in some of the most romantic places. Unfortunately you’ll experience this with a bunch of dudes. The car will break down at some point and you won’t have any cell phone reception. Some times you love the people you’re with and some times you hate them, either case you are stuck with them. And the destination is never where you intended on going. It’s a journey.”

Don’t you love that? I think this describes not only military life, but marriage as well. Think about it:

• You start marriage with a spouse you don’t know too well. You think you know them, but you have no idea.
• When you make the decision to get married, you can’t see past the wedding. You have no idea of the ramifications waiting for you on the other side.
• It’s amazing how many things you’re NOT in charge of in your marriage.
• Sometimes you love your spouse, sometimes you hate them, but either way you’re stuck with them.
• Marriage is a journey.

I know this isn’t the most romantic metaphor for marriage, but it’s incredibly accurate. It’s worth it to sit back every once in awhile and laugh at the journey of marriage.

Thank goodness God is in charge of this whole mess, or we’d be in a heap of trouble.

Have a great road trip!