DEATH VALLEY...
How Many Have Survived Living There
1848. The Rush began for gold, that is, ... not marriage; although, men wielding gold make women envision gold on their fingers.
However, on December 25, 1949, one group, out of a train of some 100 wagons traveling west from Salt Lake City, entered into what is now known as ... Death Valley. They hoped that this parched depression near the California - Nevada border would be a shortcut. It almost was ... a shortcut to their lives.
Now, single men hearing this may equate marriage to the 'Death Valley'--a shortening of their lives. Some women even feel this way. And honestly, if navigated incorrectly...
So this raises the question: Can We Survive Life in 'Death Valley'?
This is where we need to backup in time to the original 'First Couple' who lived in a paradise garden like that of the 'Ultimate Honeymoon' spot. Especially, since it was 'All inclusive' and Free. Adam need not 'bust bricks' to 'bring home the bacon' to a slew of malnourished children stressing an angry wife.
Yet, discontentment changes a happy atmosphere in the riches of homes. We are recommended: "So, having food and clothing, we will be content with these things." 1 Tim. 6:8.
And: "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need." Matt. 5:3.
Both these things lead to personal contentment. Both these things our foreparents Had, but Lost. Need I go further about what happened in the Garden of Eden?
So, let's fast forward to our situation today. The one forced upon us to contend with: Life, in what could be our 'Death Valley'. Yes, the 'original serpent' unveiled in Revelation 12:9, imprisoned here since 1914 with no chance of parole, successfully ended all possibility of eternal happiness as a family for Adam and Eve.
And he is intent on making us view the marriage arrangement as a 'bad idea.' That you may as well 'un-jump the broom,' 'throw in the towel,' or 'throw up the white flag' in surrender. To do whatever needs to be done to un-do; unhitch from a heavy wagon.
Hold up!
If you are not married, this post should open up your mind to some serious consideration. A #wedding 'Day' can be beautiful, just Not the goal.
To those of us already married, let's return to 'Death Valley.'
They say it appears to be the 'hottest place on earth'. In the years of 1880-1888, after the ores, gold, copper, etc. ran out, the business of hauling wagons of borax--a white crystalline compound used in the manufacture of soap and other products, a grueling 165 miles to the town of #Mojave became another boom. But during the months of June-September, the heat was too intense for both man and beast.
Since marriage is a gift from God does he give us advice to endure the heat of adversity?
He reminds us in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 that: "Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their hard work. For if one of them falls, the other can help his partner up. But what will happen to the who falls with no one to help him up? Moreover, if two lie down together, they will stay warm, but how can just one keep warm? And someone may overpower one alone, but two together can take a stand against him. And a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn apart."
For a marriage to last, we need to commit to each other; but first we must commit to God. When stressed, we may try harder because we want to please Him instead of trying to anger or retaliate against our mate.
And we need to maintain the right view of each other. If each one strives to focus on the good qualities and efforts of the other, the marriage will be a source of joy and refreshment, even during the storms.
But we may ask...Is it unrealistic to have such a positive view of an imperfect mate?
Our Creator of this holy union, Jehovah, is never unrealistic, yet We count on Him to maintain a positive view of Us.
The psalmist asked:
"If errors were what you watch, Oh Jah, then who, Oh Jehovah, could stand?" Psalm 130:3.
As husbands and wives, can we not develop a similarly positive and forgiving view of each other? Should we not follow the admonition of Colossians 3:13:
"Continue putting up with one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must do the same."
True, this takes a lot of communication and compromise. But, look at what was accomplished in the hard difficult work of panning for gold. Look how many made that effort.
What are our priorities?
Now there are outside influences that we need to watch out for.
Animals do exist in Death Valley. These you want to Keep Out of your home. Even the cutest of these rodents may cause havoc in your house.
In a future post I would like to discuss: How To Continue Living Amidst These Animals in 'Death Valley.'
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