Build the Bridge of Your Marriage
Matthew Chicoine ·
- Solid Foundation: Every good bridge needs a strong base. In your marriage, that’s your shared faith. Make sure you’re both firmly planted in Christ before you start adding any fancy architectural features.
- Proper Materials: You wouldn’t build a bridge out of marshmallows, would you? (Though that sounds delicious.) In marriage, your building materials are trust, communication, and forgiveness. Stock up on these – you’ll need plenty!
- Skilled Workers: Bridge builders need to know their stuff. For your marriage, that means constantly learning and growing together. Attend marriage prep classes, read books on relationships, and maybe even try a couple’s retreat. You’re never too old (or too married) to learn new tricks!
- Regular Maintenance: Bridges need constant care to stay strong. Same goes for your marriage! Regular date nights, daily check-ins, and frequent expressions of love and appreciation are your relationship’s maintenance crew.
Stretching Towards Each Other
Jesus stretched out His arms on the cross. It represents him bridging the gap between us and God the Father. In your marriage, you’ll need to do some stretching too. It might be uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, but it’s worth it.
This could mean:
- Stepping out of your comfort zone to support your spouse’s dreams
- Reaching out to offer forgiveness after an argument
- Extending yourself to meet your partner’s needs, even when you’re tired
Bridging the Gaps
Every couple faces gaps in their relationship – differences in opinion, background, or even in how you load the dishwasher (Raise your hand if your spouse loads it like a rabid raccoon!). Your job as a married duo is to be constant bridge builders, always finding ways to connect despite these gaps.
Some bridge-building strategies:
- Active listening (Put down that phone!)
- Seeking to understand before being understood
- Finding compromises that work for both of you
The Sacramental Bridge
Here’s where it gets really cool. In the Catholic Church, marriage itself is a sacrament – a visible sign of God’s invisible grace. Your marriage is literally a bridge that helps you and others encounter God’s love!
So, every time you:
- Forgive each other
- Support each other through tough times
- Celebrate each other’s successes
- Or even just share a laugh over a bad Dad joke
You’re not just strengthening your own relationship – you’re showing the world a glimpse of God’s unconditional love.
Your Call to Action
Alright, future and current bridge builders, here’s your mission:
- Reflect on your marriage (or future marriage) as a bridge. Where are the strong points? Where might you need some reinforcement?
- Choose one “bridge-building” action to focus on this week. Maybe it’s a date night, a heartfelt conversation, or just picking up those socks without being asked.
- Pray together, asking God – the ultimate Bridge Builder – to guide and strengthen your relationship.
Remember, just as the Incarnation bridged the gap between God and humanity, your marriage can be a beautiful bridge of love in this world. So grab your hard hats, your love tools, and start building!
May your bridges be strong, your love be deep, and your socks always find their way to the laundry basket. God bless your marriage!
Author: Matt Chicoine
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