The Arithmetic of a Healthy Relationship

Two fine looking young "twenty somethings" descended upon Dubuque from Milwaukee, Wisconsin yesterday with one purpose... to ask me if I would officiate their marriage ceremony on May 3, 2014. Nicole is my wife Julie's cousin's daughter... Dustin is the groom to be.

I have known Nicole for close to 15 years and I have a rather discerning eye and a big baseball bat when it comes to the men who want to court her. Dustin need not worry! What fun to sit with the two of them and watch them interact with one another, me, Julie and Faith and Joshua.

We started talking about what makes a relationship "healthy."
I looked at them and said, "It's simple arithmetic to a healthy relationship."

Dustin, as an accountant got all excited. Believe it or not, as an accountant he really does have a personality!!

My iWitness...

Let's take a look at general arithmetic...

We have....

Addition...
Subtraction...
Multiplication...
Division...
Fractions...

Here are some simple questions to ask yourself in regards to any relationship with any person...

1. Addition - Does this person "add" good characteristics to your being and to your life? Are you "more" of who you are when you are with this person?

2. Subtraction - Does this person "subtract" or "take away" the important characteristics of your being that make you, uniquely you? Are  you "less" of who you are when you are with this person?

3. Multiplication - Does this person multiply your friendships, acquaintances, family connections, hobbies, interests and desires in life?

4. Division - Does this person "divide" you from your family, your friends, your interests, your hobbies, your gifts, your talents, your skills?

5. Fractions - We are always just a fraction of being "whole." In order to become "whole" you need to have a "common denominator" with another person so that the two of you can be added up to make "one." What is the common denominator you have with this other person? Drinking? Great sex? Bar hopping? Sports? Work? Neighbors? Children? Gambling? Hobbies? Special interests? The love of Jesus?

Nicole and Dustin... I do believe that this relationship "adds" up to something great!!
I would be more than privileged to officiate the wedding ceremony that brings the two of you together in holy matrimony!

And that's my iWitness...
Laugh often and Fear not!
David!

"Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh." (Genesis 2. 24)