Drawing Closer Together

Thinking about Adam and Eve I can't help but have a sadness for them for the loss of their sons. The poem Lamentation gave me new perspective of how they must have felt. They knew they would have to experience sorrow, but probably never thought it would come to them in this way. Because they were one in purpose they were able to endure this trial. Together they applied the Atonement of Jesus Christ. They turned to one another and the Lord and viewed marriage as a partnership with Him. They had the same goals and understood one another's roles in their marriage as nurturer and provider which created shared meaning in their marriage.  

Each time we turn to the Lord by applying the atonement in our personal life our marriage becomes strengthened. When we have faith in Jesus Christ we know that the trials we face are intended to perfect us, not condemn us. This life is all about that and without faith in Him we would most likely give up on marriage when times got tough. Faith in Christ gives us hope so that we are able to see the big picture and press forward through trials in marriage; discovering new qualities about ourselves and our spouse.

The part of the scripture in D&C 64:33 that stands out to me is “out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” Husbands and wives draw close to one another by small acts of service and love. The things that Gottman pointed out for couples to do to turn toward one another were nothing really big, but they do make a big impact when put altogether. Also, by doing these small things for one another we lay a foundation of admiration and love and a wonderful marriage(“a great work”). Gottman said that the outcome of a nice evening planned depends on the relationship of the couple beforehand. The evening won’t all at once bring a couple who are feeling bitter and resentful closer to one another but it can have this affect on a couple who have been turning toward one another through many acts each day.