A single photograph can speak volumes, and the image of a human ladder is no exception. I recently saw this poignant photo, and it put a smile on my face. It made me think about how we all rely on others for mutual support and strength, especially in marriage. Each partner supports and is supported in turn, creating a strong structure that can reach incredible heights. We lift one another up through the various challenges and triumphs that life presents us.
Here are a few things we can learn from a human ladder:
Support and Dependability:
Just as each person in a human ladder relies on the support of others to maintain the structure, partners in a marriage need to be able to depend on each other.
Teamwork and Collaboration:
A human ladder requires coordination and teamwork, similar to how a successful marriage requires both partners to work together towards common goals. If you are both headed in different directions, how will that work?
Trust:
The person climbing a human ladder needs to trust that the people below will hold them up. Trust is a foundational element in any relationship or marriage. The definition of trust is: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, and truth of someone. It is your duty to make sure you are trustworthy.
Strength in Unity:
In a human ladder, all participants need to be unified for it to work. The couple are two distinct individuals, but their strength lies in their togetherness. Their combined efforts, their shared dreams, and their mutual respect and understanding form the bonds that enable them to face and overcome any hurdles that life may throw at them.
Balance:
A human ladder requires balance to prevent it from toppling over. In a marriage, balance is also key, whether it’s balancing work and family life, individual and shared goals, or other aspects of life.
Selflessness:
A human ladder is a testament to selflessness. It’s about putting someone else’s needs before your own, helping them reach their goals, and celebrating their victories. In a marriage, this selflessness translates into the ultimate expression of love. It’s about making sacrifices, prioritizing your partner’s happiness, and supporting them in their journey.
The human ladder reminds us that in a marriage, we are not alone. We are part of a team, each of us vital to the other’s climb. It’s not always easy, of course. There will be times when we feel we are giving more than we are receiving when the climb feels too steep. But it’s in these moments, as we look down and see how far we’ve come, that we understand the power of our human ladder, of our marriage. And we recognize that with every step upward, we grow not just as individuals but as a couple, ascending together towards our shared dreams.
