Consecration

Every week I have a little more gratitude for the gems of truth that I learn in the marriage class I am currently taking. This week was certainly no exception as we studied about managing conflict and consecration. I am learning more and more that knowledge is power, and having specific tools to use to improve marriage is a powerful thing. I find myself reacting less, and thinking more when conflict arises in my relationships.

I was particularly touched by the chapter I read in H. Wallace Goddard's book "Drawing Heaven into Your Marriage" about consecration. Goddard referenced the story of Abraham and Isaac to illustrate consecration.  Most of us have heard the poignant story of Abraham and Sarah who desired a son all their lives, and then were miraculously blessed with Isaac in their old age. As I reflected on the grace of my Heavenly Father in blessing my husband and I with a beautiful daughter through adoption, when my body could no longer carry more biological children, I felt that I had a glimpse of how much Abraham and Sarah must have cherished and adored Isaac. How would I have reacted to learning that God required my precious Mia to be sacrificed? Would I have been as faithful as Abraham? Probably not. And what if I were Isaac? Would I die to prove my devotion to God?

But how does Abraham and Isaac's experience relate to marriage? Here is Goddard's explanation:

"Marriage provides glorious opportunities to practice consecration. Just as Isaac was willing to give his life as the ultimate expression of commitment to God, so we are invited to dedicate our lives, our talents, our weekends, and our weaknesses to the sacred enterprise of sanctifying our marriages and ultimately perfecting our souls."

I thought a lot about the idea of consecrating myself to my husband. Have I always dedicated myself to the sacred unity of our marriage? Have I been willing to sacrifice my own ideas of how things should be done? Have I worried less about his behavior and more about mine? There is plenty of room for me to be more devoted to the important things, and less worried about the little things. I know that my husband is a beloved son of God, and God trusts me to be his committed companion, consecrating everything I have to helping us both return to His presence- perfected and unified.