Marriage is a Three-Legged Race

     I am currently taking more than one class this semester and in my Family Relations class, we were discussing social trends, specifically about divorce. As I read the material for the discussion, I came across a quote from Elder Dallin H. Oaks and I instantly loved it! It's from the May 2007 Ensign and it's called "Divorce." Elder Oaks taught us that "A good marriage does not require a perfect man or perfect woman. It only requires a man and a woman committed to strive together toward perfection." I loved this quote because it helped to better understand how the gospel strengthens families, especially husbands and wives. The restored gospel makes it so couples stand on even ground; they each have responsibilities, but they are equally important. It also helps them because the gospel helps both husband and wife to have common goals for themselves and the family, specifically the goal to gain eternal life. With this common goal in sight, husband and wife can walk together side-by-side in the direction they need to go to enter the celestial kingdom. 

      Imagine a husband and wife are going to compete in a three-legged race. They stand at the starting line together and a race official comes up to them with a rope and ties one leg from each person together in between them. Now, the couple will work as a single unit to compete in the race with the goal of crossing the finish line. An important rule to keep in mind about a three-legged race is that both team members need to work together and walk in equal strides; one cannot lead and drag the other behind. If one races ahead of the other, then both are doomed to lose the race. 

       The gospel of Jesus Christ is the rope that binds the couples together. It makes it so both the husband and wife are valued members of the team. They work together as equals, putting their trust in each others' support and strength, to take each step during the race and to make it to the finish line. If there is competition between them to try and prove who is best, then they are going to lose the race. The purpose of the three-legged race is for BOTH team members to be victorious; the same goes for the gospel. Husbands and wives are not racing each other to see who gets exalted first; our Heavenly Father's plan is for them to function as a team to make it back to Him at the same time. 

        I am grateful that the gospel makes it possible for husbands and wives to find common ground, common goals, and a common vision for the future. I know that by working with our spouses, instead of competing against them, then not only will it be easier for us to make it to the finish line that is the celestial kingdom, but we will really enjoy the race that is life and our spouses' company along the way. The purpose of life is to teach us how to become more perfect like Heavenly Father and His Son and we are sure to become more like Them if we rely on the support of our three-legged race partners: our spouses!