Garage Sale Sadness

Sophie the dog needed her morning walk and my wife and I started down the street when we came upon our neighbors, three doors down, setting up for a huge garage sale. That’s when our hearts broke.

In addition to a driveway filled with furniture, kichen items and kid toys, we saw the realtor sign in their front yard.

Thinking they were going to upscale their lives to a new and bigger home, my wife asked, “so, where are you guys moving to?”

The reply from the wife of the family hit us like a ton of bricks: “I’m not sure where we’re going – my husband cheated on me and he’s gone. Our family is in disarray right now.”

Like walking into a yard where the contents of their lives were blown apart like a bombing took place, I looked at the remains of their life, possessions and family, all strung about their driveway and garage. I began to wonder about this family. The kids. The marriage. Their pain. What happened? How did it start?

I began to think about the husband. I didn’t know him at all, but I wondered how this all started? Was it someone at work that he flirted with? Did he complain to her about his life and marriage? Did they have that lunch together that crossed over into a dangerous area of vulnerability? When did they break the physical boundaries that led to the destruction of their marriage? How did the wife find out? Did he tell her? What did they say to their kids? How deep are the wounds and scars in their hearts?

Proverbs 4: 24-27 “Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” (NLT)

Families and marriages don’t blow apart overnight. It all starts with the small things that add up and gain a dangerous momentum. And then one day, you’re selling all the possessions that you shopped together for or got as a wedding gift in your driveway.

Marriage is hard. It takes a lot of work and effort. But it’s worth it. If there is distance in your relationship, get some help. If you are beginning to step out of bounds, emotionally or even physically with someone else – stop it.

So how to you keep your relationship on track? What tips can you give others on keeping your relationship pure?