Statistics show that as of December 2009, for a population of 1000 in the United States, 3.4 married couples end in divorce. Although alarming, it is relieving to learn that divorce cases have lessened because in 2008 and 2007, the rate was 3.5 and 3.6 respectively. The cause of the divorce usually stems from unresolved bitter experiences in the past. These sad experiences have piled up and exploded all at once, making the couple unforgiving. Their inability to pardon results in abhorrence and this hatred causes them to become strangers. Because they become foreign to one another, communication becomes impossible and the origin of the problem is unacknowledged and not discussed amicably. Couples who want to make the marriage work however, may resort to couples therapy or possibly even go all the way by participating in Christian marriage retreats.
Christian marriage retreats are for those couples who acknowledge and accept that their marriage is teetering on the brink of failure and are willing to do anything to solve the problem. The couple goes to a retreat house, usually out of town, and stays for approximately 3 to 5 days to get spiritual and psychotherapy counseling. Here, the issues are identified and thoroughly discussed and eventually, spiritual guidance comes in. The word of God is the final advice and almost always, the Word of God prevails.
Christian marriage retreats generally offer a few different package option so the couple can choose an atmosphere in which they are most comfortable. There are small group retreats where the number of participants are limited to a maximum of three couples. These programs have a specified time frame of around 3 to 5 days and couples learn from others' experiences. For those who do not want to share their problems with other people and prefer real privacy, there are retreats designed to work one-on-one with a couple. This is a special case with a special (read higher) price, also. Partners are given all the time and liberty to speak and share his and her thoughts. Usually this exclusive private counseling is taken advantage of by high-profiled persons such as politicians, celebrities and the like.
The benefits of a successful marriage are priceless. Though these retreats come with a price tag, money should never be a hindrance in keeping the family intact. Marital unions are a commitment to God for them to be together, in sickness and in health, through thick and thin until death. With the Supreme Being in their lives, married people will have a healthy marriage. They have to submit to the will of God which is to have a harmonious relationship with others and they must base their union not in lies but in the truth.
More than 90% of the couples who join these Christian marriage retreats come out with resolved issues and their marriage intact and stronger. They have become more committed, wiser and happier individuals with the goal of sticking together until the end. Even problems of infidelity are resolved and forgiven and the couple moves closer to having the kind of marriage they have always dreamed of and looked forward to.
For more help and ideas for enduring troubling times in a relationship, check out bringbacklostlove.info.
Source: Ezine