FOOD FOR THOUGHT BEFORE YOU TAKE THE LEAP

YOUR CHOICE BEFORE MARRIAGE

We all make choices daily, we basically choose from so many options practically on all our day to day activities- for instance what food to eat, clothes to wear, where to go or where not to go, who to make our friend e.t.c. We can only be given suggestions or advises on these decisions but whatever our choices are, we made them, nobody make the choice for us, therefore we are responsible for our choices.

Meanwhile, the choice in contention here, is more serious and difficult to undo. It about making an everlasting decision on man or woman with whom you will spend the rest of your life on earth. Out of many, you are to choose someone intimate whom you can't hid any matter from, whom you will relate with everyday of your life. You will agree with me that is quiet a very serious issue which requires serious consideration. Therefore before you make

your choice please ask yourself these questions:

• Did you really know yourself? - human heart can be very deceptive, check your heart very well to know your strength and weaknesses, your partner should be able to compliment this. If you don't recognize your weakness, it could be a problem. If physical appearance, body statistic and wealth are your primary aim, you need to be careful beauty/handsomeness tend to depreciate and money can vanish. There are much more to marriage that physical appearance cannot withstand. Look for what makes you happy, gives you joy and peace in the person, like good character, responsible person, visionary and above all God fearing.

• How much do you know about you partner? - What do you know about your partners past and present? what are his/her plans for the future, does it tally with yours. Do you have the same ambition, vision etc. Do you have witnesses who can authenticate to his/her claims? What are his/her values, all these questions needs to be evaluated correctly. Don't be reckless in your decision, take time to get a detailed assessment of your intended partner. Dig deep into his/her background. Know very well that when you tie the knot of marriage, it's very difficult to untie.

• What are the reasons for your choice? - Why him/her? Hmmm LOVE a commonly used word, either genuinely or otherwise but know this, you have to genuinely love the man or woman of your choice. It's only love that can transcend through all the difficulties of marriage.Marriage is not a bed of roses, trials will come, you can only overcome when you truly love your partner and vice versa. Note this; if you marry your partner for any other reasons rather than genuine love, you might feel trapped and used, marriage will be a very unpleasant experience for you, meanwhile marriage is meant to be enjoyed.

• Now come the big question, have you prayed? - your faith is important in making this choice. After all said and done, you need to take it to the all knowing God. He knows more than you and sees better than you do. Pray very well to get final approval on your choice and all shall be well. Marriage will be sweet and harmonious experience for you.

Please take your time to choose wisely. Make your opinion know via comment, thank you.