“Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.”” — Ruth 3:18 NKJV
I was never the jealous type. I was always very happy for the accomplishments of others. This was especially so for those closest to me. Yet, I found myself feeling a twinge bit of jealousy when I compared myself to my cousin.
Now, she was blessed to experience her fairytale wedding. They got married in Barbados. She had an amazing wedding gown complete with a tiara. The pictures were amazing. Me, I was married in a living room wearing a pants set that we purchased for the day. I was blessed with jewels that, my grandmother allowed me to use for my borrowed and blue.
The contrast didn’t stop there . My cousin and her husband own homes. There home and there investment properties are gorgeous; both are lavishly furnished. Me, well my husband and I lived in a modestly furnished two bedroom apartment.
I don’t recall looking at her wedding ring so I have no idea how hers looked but I imagine that it was phenomenal. Mine, well it was beautiful. He told me that a friend of his brought it back from New York. Unfortunately, the stones started to change colors and fall out as time progressed. Although it was fake, I continued to wear it with pride.
I think that they had been married for about seven years when I compared my life to hers. My marriage ended after we had been together for seven years, yet hers was going strong. I think that a tear or two fell. That is the only moment that I have ever felt envious.
Thankfully, that moment was but a moment. I quickly realized that I had a Birdseye view of what faithfulness looks like. Twenty years in, my cousin is still married, as are many of my cousins and other relatives.
On the outside looking in, it’s easy to think that marriage is easy. The truth of the matter is, it takes an unwavering commitment to each other. The partnership will be tested, and tried by various temptations. Regardless of the situations, those who make it have an unwavering loyalty towards each other.