“Marriage is hard.” That’s one of those phrases people used to whisper to each other and feel shame about, but in the last few years it’s become acceptable to say it out loud.
Marriage is hard, and many of us don’t believe that until we are in it.
It stuns us, that living with someone we love so very much can be so very hard. It’s counterintuitive but true. Yet, here’s another truth: marriage is worth it.
I’ve been married 20 years (“Yea! Pandemic year milestones!” she says sarcastically), so I’ve figured out both of these truths.
Still, I was taken aback when I saw them so beautifully communicated through a two-minute short film that wasn’t even in English.
This film is a work done so exquisitely, you don’t need to understand the language to understand the message.
The Iranian short film, called Thursday Appointment, opens with an older married couple driving together while reciting a love poem to each other. English-speakers will enjoy the captioned version, but it still doesn’t quite translate. However, the character’s actions translate perfectly.
The film takes a turn when the older couple stops at a red light and sees a younger couple arguing heatedly in the car next to them.
As the older man’s gaze shifts to the back seat of the car next to him, my heart broke. There’s a child in the back seat, enduring her parents’ fierce argument.
What this experienced couple does next to send a message to the unhappy young couple at the red light sends a clear message about marriage, love, and how just a small action can influence in big ways.
Isn’t it almost shockingly beautiful? Are you crying yet?
It left me thinking about what impact my marriage is having on this world. Not just on those who live in my house, but on those I know peripherally, too.
Marriage is hard. But it’s worth fighting for.
And sharing the results of that beautiful struggle can make all the difference to another couple in its midst.