I laughed. Outright laughed.
I then replied and said that I have no intention of "jumping into marriage".
As I drove away from the conversation, I wondered what makes people say something so crazy like that?
As I reflected on the question, I had many more questions:
- Is it possible to just jump into marriage?
- Is it possible to make such a big life changing relationship change and it be something abrupt that you just throw yourself into?
- What does it mean just jump into something?
- What does it look like if you did just jump into something?
Then I thought about my life and how I live it...
Have I been one to just jump into something? If so, when?
Then I wondered, does it even matter if I have or haven't jumped into things in the past? What about in the present? Or will in the future? Isn't that kinda irrelevant?
The real question is: Is it possible for someone to just jump into marriage? Do I believe its possible for ME to just jump into marriage [because it doesn't matter if someone else can or not, I only am concerned with me]?
My reflections produced the following thoughts:
I have no intentions of just jumping into marriage. I will be intentional in my process of dating and creating a relationship that enables me to learn about a potential spouse. I will be focused on my decision to marry when I believe I have met the person that fits what I want in a spouse and the relationship is to that stage. I do not look at marriage as an option of something to just try. My decision will be a conscious and planned move, it will not be something I just jump into. I have every intention of spending dedicated and conscious time learning about relationships, the communication styles of men and woman, the art of the dating process, and if marriage is a result of that interaction, I will then be as committed at learning and understanding all aspects of marriage. It will be something new that I will be learning about and moving towards understanding both in an intellectual and emotional sense. I believe the success of a relationship comes from being immersed in it, but not without a plan, without a goal, without my eyes wide open, and without prayer, lots of deep thought provoking heart analysis and prayer!
I do not see jumping into marriage as an option. For me. My aim is for creating the most excellent results and success, which I don't believe comes from just jumping into something this life changing.
Do you believe you can just jump into marriage?
