Last month, we welcomed a new puppy into our home. I’ve never been a dog person, but my husband? He’s wanted one his whole life.
Before deciding, we had countless late night talks, weighing the pros and cons, asking friends for advice, and really thinking how it would change our lives. We wanted to be sure we were ready: emotionally, mentally, and financially.
After all the conversations and what-ifs, we finally said yes and found the one we loved. The day we met the puppy was one of the happiest moments of my husband’s life. Seeing him that happy made me happy too. And from that point on, real life began. We thought we were prepared, but we were wrong.
The first two weeks were rough. Neither of us had ever owned a dog, so everything was new. We were learning on the go, figuring out his behaviour, helping him settle in, and building a routine that fit into our already busy lives. It was intense and exhausting, both physically and mentally.
This new season started to strain our relationship. We had always been a solid team, with a good rhythm and balance. But things changed. In just two weeks with the puppy, we argued more than we had in our five years together. We’re both routine-driven and like things under control, and suddenly, nothing was in control. The chaos frustrated my husband, and his need to manage everything started to frustrate me.
Somewhere along the way, we forgot what teamwork looked like in our marriage. Amos 3:3 says “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” This verse reminded me that for a relationship to stay harmonious, a husband and wife need to be on the same page, sharing the same purpose and moving forward as one.
Teamwork in marriage means walking together through every season, good and bad, sharing joy, sorrow, burdens, and blessings. Not pulling apart or against each other, but pulling together.
Thankfully, things are getting better now. We survived the first month and slowly found our rhythm again. I truly owe it all to the Holy Spirit for giving us guidance, strength, patience, and wisdom. Especially in moments when my husband was overwhelmed, the Holy Spirit kept me grounded, calm, and steady.
This season stretched us, but it also brought us closer. We’re still figuring it out, but we’re doing it side by side, and that’s what matters most.
“Two are better than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.
God Bless,
(AS)
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