Autumn
• season of richness and maturity-reaping
• the benefits of what has gone before
• marriage more established having weathered tough times
• may be teenagers in the house
• emotionally the most exhausting stage of parenting
• the greatest need is to support and encourage each other
Winter
• empty-nest stage for many
• probably fewer demands with an opportunity for more time together
• can be the most exciting stage of marriage
• the greatest needs are shared interests and good communication
Question:Reflect on what you've heard so far. If you are in one of these seasons, talk together about the pressures you've worked through until now in your relationship, and the pressures you're currently facing. If you’re not here yet, what do you think it will be like?
The four seasons of marriage (not every marriage will go through each stage, but the principles apply to all marriages)
Spring
early years of marriage
season of discovery and excitement
initial infatuation will wear off at some stage
the greatest need is to accept each other
Summer
season of increased activity and demands
may become parents during this season
may face pressures of infertility
careers can be more demanding
the greatest need is to give time to the marriage relationship
Reflect on what you’ve heard so far. Talk together about the pressures you’ve worked through until now in your relationship, and the pressures you’re currently facing.
