Marriage: A Climb to Mt. Everest

The month of June is particularly famous for being the most preferred wedding season. In fact, it is never a surprise to hear giggling and excited betrothed ladies wishing to be a “June Bride.” Well, I have never explored the reason why this is so, and I did not bother myself finding it out since it will not serve the purpose of my intended article for now. Maybe, some other time.

Moreover, what I would like to give emphasis for now is the reality that many people tend to rush jumping into marriage without first making at least a serious thinking about it. As if getting married is only dependent on having a stable job, being advance in years and sometimes on certain circumstances that most people believe necessitate marriage, e.g. unexpected pregnancy.

Coincidentally, as I was writing this article, the Mt. Everest fever brought about by the first successful climb by Filipinos, was not yet over. Thus, it struck me to say that just as the climb was full of so many challenges coming in different forms, same is true in marriage. There is a feeling of great fulfillment if a mountaineer conquers the summit but that only happens after surmounting a lot of trials which might even have put the climber’s life in danger. No wonder, some climbers do not make it to the top and neither do they come home alive after making the initial attempt.

Marriage is like that. The couple starts with so much enthusiasm. But as they go along their way, they encounter situations that are really unexpected and start to experience great difficulties. Others persevere, while some lose themselves into vices and infidelity. Some do their best to sustain the relationship, while others chose to abandon the marriage all together. Break up comes in and a family, destroyed.

For this reason, it entails a lot of preparations before a couple can be more or less ready to face the challenges of marriage. I don’t intend to portray marriage as something fearsome. In fact, though trials are always there, it is full of thrills and exciting adventures as well as joy incomparable to the fulfillment one gets when reaching the apex of Mt. Everest. What joy in the first place, can be greater than having a successful marriage?

But this depends alone on the couple’s readiness and resiliency to face its demands and eventually, of family life. Contrary to most people’s view, financial stability is not the only measure of the couple’s preparedness, though it is highly significant. Most importantly; psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual readiness are the ones extremely necessary for the “great climb”. A certain degree of maturity is indispensable before a man or a woman can be capable enough to carry on with the trying responsibilities inherent in the married state.

Just as a mountaineer needs a map to reach the top, a couple needs a plan. Just as the climb requires provisions to maintain it, marriage necessitates good communication. And as the climb’s success requires direction of a compass, successful marriage rests on the guidance and grace of God.