The marriage altar is really an axis in the lives of many. So much appears to revolve around it. In 1969, marriages in the United States almost equaled those in the peak year of 1946, so it is a fact that lovers, young or old, "still look to marriage, family, and home."The National Observer, January 26, 1970, p. 4;
Falling in love, marrying, and building a life and home, filling the new roles of partner and parent, are serious considerations for anyone. This does not imply that all should be married or that the married state is necessarily best or that there is a best age for getting married. Marriage certainly should not be the answer to what to do next, motivated by fear, lack, or loneliness, or be entered into largely as the result of someone's strong influence. It should be understood that those who cherish higher ideals and have worked to achieve something on their own before marriage will have something of real value to bring to the altar. They will have developed as a person, and this usually means they will bring a measure of satisfaction in achievement, as well as a good measure of spiritual maturity. The altar is not the place to bring a pack of unsolved problems.
When we look at the human picture of marriage, we often see two people who have chosen to live together because they believe they have found an ideal companion, a true friend, one to cherish and to be cherished by. This may be a wonderful event in an unfolding life. To love one another can be a blessing especially if the love is a reflection of divine Love.
