The Counterpoint of Marriage

(Dedicated to my lovely wife Maria)

I come from a background of music, so I love to make analogies in life based on musical terms; and here’s one of my favorites. “Counterpoint”, by definition, is the art of combining two individual melodies happening at the same time, not played in unison but remaining in harmony throughout the piece.

If there is anything that can describe my blessed marriage of 29 years (which we are celebrating this month)…it is this definition of counterpoint. My wife and I certainly are not in unison most of the time…but that’s a good thing. What makes the marriage so full of life and intrigue is the fact that we do have our own melodies going on at the same time. Have we hit some sour notes along the way?…you betcha. Has our music been dissonant at times…most certainly. When the melodies begin to harmonize, though, you realize what a precious gift it is to share your life with someone else.

The notes—which represent the days of our lives—can change in time and meter, be high or low, be full of rich chords or simply played one at a time. Regardless of how it plays out, the bottom line is we are in a constant state of composing our musical piece of life; we don’t have to be musicians…that’s just the way our creative God has wired us all.

So, if you find yourself playing a different tune from your spouse…count it a blessing. It may take a very listening ear and some effort to begin to harmonize, but it is so worth it. Keep in mind that the musical work we create in marriage is a never-ending piece, filled with more and more intricate movements. Make it a work you can be proud of. God has given us all the abilities to perform in this marriage musical and we need to honor the Great Conductor by performing at our very best.

Blessings!

Greg Morton
© August 2010

To view a printable copy of this commentary click here