A Restored Connection

Forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

—2 Corinthians 2:7

I was not afraid during that dark season that Aaron and I were going to split up. I didn’t think either of us were going to cheat or leave. But I was afraid that the damage would be irreparable, and that we would slide into being one of those couples who has closed their hearts to one another in the deepest way. We’d continue to live together and raise a child together and watch TV together at night after long days. But we’d lose that deep trust and connection, that willingness to be vulnerable and to try again and risk being hurt again. That’s what I was afraid of.

Of all the things I’m thankful for now, the restored connection between us might be at the top of the list. We made it through and into a new, better place. That’s what I want to tell you, if you’re married and you think the damage is done. I thought that, too, a couple times over the last few years. But our hearts are more elastic than we think, and the work of forgiveness and transformation and growth can do things you can’t even imagine from where you’re standing now.