Relaxation Of Summer

Relaxation of Summer

“Don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Ephesians 4:26-27

IN A SUMMER MARRIAGE, there are feelings of happiness, satisfaction, accomplishment, and connection. There is a deep level of trust and a commitment to growth. Life is more relaxed, and communication is constructive. A couple in this stage is likely attending marriage conferences periodically, reading books, and growing spiritually.

The climate of a summer marriage is comfortable, supportive, and understanding. The couple resolves conflicts in a positive manner. Having accepted their differences, they seek to turn them into assets, utilizing their differences to help each other. In summer, husbands and wives have a growing sense of togetherness.

There is one downside to summer: There are yellow jackets. They live underground and represent those unresolved issues that have been pushed beneath the surface in order to have peace. Remember the wise instruction in Ephesians to deal with anger right away. Letting things fester, even in the name of peacemaking, only makes things worse. Ultimately, you must deal with the yellow jackets, or your summer marriage will be headed toward fall.

Father, thank you for a comfortable, positive relationship with my spouse. Even though I am grateful for the peace between us, let me not seek that at the expense of genuine resolution of our problems. Help me to deal with them lovingly.

Seasons of Marriage