As we start a new year it is a good time to take stock. One area each of us needs to take stock is in our choices. Are the choices you are making hindering your marriage? Are you making the choice to put all your energies into work and career, so that you and your spouse have little time together?
Recently I heard of a young couple who are expecting their second child. Yet the husband will not be around either for a while before, or when, the child is born. He has plans to be away for months with his work situation. It makes me wonder how the young mother is going to cope with two children, one of whom is an active toddler. How is she going to cope if the pregnancy is difficult as it was for her first child? It seems to me that maybe there needs to be a rethinking of choices to accommodate their marriage and family rather than just focusing on his career.
Another young couple is happily trying for a child, while at the same time he is taking a new job which will take him away from home two weeks out of every four. Is this fair on their marriage? What will happen to their relationship? It will need to be very strong to survive this regular separation.
Contrast both of these with the man who when he found out his wife was having quads took the first twelve months to help out. He took extended leave, most of it unpaid and jeapodised his career, because he considered his wife and family to be of prime importance. I’m sure given the time needed to care for four babies, his wife appreciated the help and it was worth more to her than money. Yet this man copped a lot of criticism from his peers for his actions. Many considered him stupid. In my books he ought to be commended. What do you think?
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