Religion and Marriage: Unifying or Dividing?

Many of you know that faith is a pretty big part of my existence. Without being dramatic, I simply could not exist without it. Sure, I'd survive (I'm a fighter) but I would not thrive. I would not have perspective and I certainly would not have peace. (Even with it, peace is hard to come by for an analyzer like myself.)

My husband, on the other hand, is a scientist through and through. If you can't prove it, it doesn't exist. Feelings are less important than logic. The mind takes precedence over the heart.

You might wonder what put the two of us together? Good question. And I have answers.

1. We love each other.

2. We balance each other out.

3. We learn from each other.

4. I have faith that it was "meant to be." On logical level, Rex knows that he needs my softeness for his hard edges. I need his anchor for the rise and fall of my life's nutty ship.

Speaking of hard edges, we had amazing sex this weekend. Some of that stems from the fact that, after all these years, I simply can't imagine going to sleep with anybody else by my side at night. His rugged jawline, combined with his strength as a provider, get me every time.

In a true opposites attract theory, also, I find that love is most felt not when we are absolutely on the same page (example: dressed in our Sunday best headed off to a church we both love) but in doing for each other what we might not do otherwise.

On Friday night, while I was at dance class with my children, a few friends (and SEVEN of their children) opened up my back gate to start our Friday Whine and Wine without me. (God bless good friends.)

Rex came home from work before I arrived and, in his quiet, methodical fashion, turned on the stereo, asked if all the girls were comfy, and opened up a bottle of wine.

I know for a fact that Rex likes nothing more than a simple, quiet end to a long, stressful week. But my girls are my world, and he honored them with his small gesture of hospitality.

So I honored him the rest of the weekend with my gestures of naked thanks. I can't help it. Genorosity and openness are a powerful aprhodisiac. Will he ever want to join a Christian family group with me? Who knows. But until then, I'll have faith. (And rock-my-world nookie that even the Pope would approve of.)

I hope you do, too, in whatever capacity works for you. Happy Sunday.

* Photo of Rex spending quality time with my son. Just another reason I love him. How about you? What keeps you dedicated to your spouse? How important is a shared faith?

Posted by Andrea Frazer


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