If marriage is a heavily fortified city then I haven’t been diligently standing at the gate. Occasionally my sword and shield hang at my side. Some days I look peer through the gate unaware of the weaknesses that permeate through my city walls.

And enemies are plenty. Forces outside the city that desperately desire to get in. To disrupt the even flow of city operations, to offset the balance and spin city life in directions never intended, to overtake the city and pulverize it to the ground.

I have begun to shore up my walls. To replace the weak points with fresh brick and mortar. I have begun to stand guard from the watch tower instead of the ground to better see what lies ahead. The gate is locked and fortified. My helmet, my breastplate, my belt, my shield, my sword…ready and waiting.

What’s beyond my walls is too valuable. My city too precious. I stand watch at the gate and wait.

“Though an a army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident…For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.”
Psalm 27:3,5