Who knows for sure when or where it really began? That first loose board or piece of metal somewhere deep on the bottom of the great ship. Or perhaps it was just the first rivet or screw that worked itself loose. Or maybe, not even that, maybe it was just a weak seam somewhere that allowed moisture to seep into some hidden place, and set up the insidious process of decay. Who knows? But it happened, slowly, subtly and unnoticed until just the right amount of pressure from within and without ripped away a very small piece, very small, but very critical. Then one after the other pieces began to fall away bringing her down. Down, filled with devastation, destruction, death and disaster for all of those depending on her.
     Why? Why did someone, anyone, not see or know? Why didn’t someone keep check on such a great and important vessel on a regular basis to prevent such tragedy and devastation? How long could it take to just check it out? What is a little upkeep, and a little time for something so important? So little could have spared so much for so many. Was it carelessness, a lack of concern, neglect, thoughtlessness or just a shifting of responsibility to someone else? What?
     Great marriages are like great ships. Designed by the Great Builder to be strong and sea worthy. They can carry their load while sailing the smoothest or the most storm ravaged seas. Marriages need checking out too though and that on a regular basis. Marriages are in trouble in our world. They are coming apart. Where does it begin? Who knows? Most likely, in fact very likely it is the little things. Just those small unnoticed improperly maintained things, which allow decay making elements to seep in and begin their insidious work.
     Great ships, which come apart, never make port. Great marriages, which come apart, never make port on Elysian shores. They just leave in the wake of their wreckage a lot of debris, broken dreams, lives and souls. Just floating there, sinking, drowning, men, women and children. It’s time. No, it’s past time to restore the great vessel of marriage to her original state; to make her sea worthy again for the voyage of life. Great marriages like great ships can reach their destinations. But how do we keep great ships great? How do we do that? Someone is going to have to keep an eye on the small things. The small things, that’s what it is, that’s the things that hold her together and make her strong. Maybe, just maybe someone needs to be in charge of maintenance. Just daily, careful and well thought out maintenance to keep the marriage vessel intact and secure. Of course, that will require a full time maintenance crew. And not just any crew, but a fiercely determined and committed crew. But who, who is qualified to make up such an important crew? Just two; “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).—179 Stan Lewis Road, Clarkridge, AR 72623 (Women’s Counselor–College & North Church of Christ)