Why The Obsession? Pt.1

I've realized lately that most young Christian girls have a common obsession...preparing for a relationship in marriage.  While I know that's much better to prepare than actually be in a relationship now, any obsession can have an unhealthy hold on your life.  I see so many girls all riled up and anxious about it.  They want to read every book, hear every message, and talk to anyone who'll listen to them about guys and how they can prepare to have a healthy relationship in marriage.  That's all fine, and I have to say, it's great that they want to have a great marriage!  However, I'm noticing that they're overlooking some things...

When you marry, who is going to do the cooking?  Who will clean bathrooms, ceiling fans, carpets, kitchen cabinets, and under the bed?  Who will wash, fold and iron clothes?  Who will do the groceries and bills?  Who will primarily spend the day with your children and homeschooling them?

You!

The Lord has given you the responsibility of doing most, if not all of those things as a godly wife and mother.  That's a short list, too!  Add to that everything else that comes in life and you've got lots of responsibilities!

Why aren't girls these days rising up to those challenges?  It's easy to read about the way you ought to treat your husband and the things that you should do together to have a loving, healthy relationship. It's ten times easier when you haven't even met your husband!  However, the real training for marriage isn't all cute and simple.  It's hard work!

My parents have been excellent encouragers in this.  I remember thinking so proudly at 9 years old that I would certainly marry at 17 or 18 (I truly had no notion of ages...) because I already knew how to sew a button, make rice, and wash dishes!  I look back now and think how wise my parents were in teaching be how to do all of that.  I didn't know it then, but all those things I learned will be carried over when I become a wife and mother.

Maybe your parents don't encourage learning these sorts of things in your home.  Maybe they prefer you study.  Consider asking your mother in what way you can help her, though.  Tell her you deisire to learn these things and tell her why. Ask her to teach you.  Although books and teachings are great, the greatest amount of training you will learn and carry into your marriage is what you learned at home while you were young.