Marriage is a sacred union between one man and one woman. Some men and women walk down the aisle in during a holy ceremony. While some get married within their pastor’s offices in the presence of God, others may go down to the Justice of Peace and get married. As the man and the woman read or hear their vows by the licensed marriage official, they are both excited. Their hearts will be pounding as they realize that they are seconds away from officially being husband and wife. Both man and woman say ‘I do.’ The official pronounces ‘"you husband and wife’ and the husband is allowed to "kiss" his bride.

The newly married couple then goes on their honeymoon either somewhere local or at an island far from home. Newly wedded couples are now aware of the days which are soon to come. From the time the married couple says "I do" until the second or third month, they are both in the honeymoon phase of their marriage. For the first five years, they are called newlyweds. After the week or two away from home ends and they get into their vehicle, the husband and wife must return home. Then reality hits. I am living with someone who is totally different than I am.

You begin to notice things that you did not see before you got married. Ladies, you see your husband leaving socks near their bed and not in the dirty hamper. Men, you realize that she takes almost two hours to get dressed. These things are not revealed to you until after you say ‘I do." Although these things may be a pet peeve to you, you must realize that they are small issues, which can be easily handled with love, correct communication, and patience.

The honeymoon period is like a bridge between courting and marriage. You get to share those first intimate moments with one another. Your focus is upon expressing your love for your spouse. However, it is also preparation for reality. The honeymoon does not last forever. The honeymoon period should not be a primary reason for getting married and should not be a man or woman’s focus.

Why am I telling you this? I have been there and done that. I say this not to brag but to encourage you. For those of you who have just faced reality after the honeymoon, welcome to the marriage club. Now, don’t get me wrong. Although the honeymoon period ends and you begin to see reality, God has provided many tools to help you through the first five years of your marriage.

#1- God has provided you access to Him via prayer for those who are born again. #2- God has provided a life manual called the Bible that has answers to all of your questions pertaining to marriage. #3- God has equipped church leaders (i.e. Pastors, ministers) to provide teaching on marriage. #4- There is many other married couples who have experienced what you are going through and can provide wisdom (i.e. marriage, relationship, or couples coaches).

Ladies and Gentlemen, you can and will survive the first five years and beyond within your marriage. How? God has ordained marriage since the beginning of creation. Why would He create something that wouldn’t work? You also have an opportunity to become educated on how to maintain a strong marriage as newlyweds receiving a coach to help you to find solutions to common marital problems.