Relationship Series: 8 Stages of A Relationship Stage Seven - Institutionalization

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          Marriage, Matrimony or Wedlock is a socially recognized union or legal contract between Spouses that establishes certain rights and obligations between them, their children and their in-laws.  Marriage is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually sexual, are acknowledged.  It is really strange because Couples have been operating like this for years without taking thought of what was actually occurring.  Institutionalization deals more with "tradition" than "actual commitment."  As the old cliche goes, "I'm saving myself for marriage," and then after you consummate, reality sets in.  The Institution of Marriage is based upon anticipation of what one thinks instead of what is real.
          Before, during and after sex, couples practice what we believe is socially acceptable.  Nine times out of ten, it is Missionary.  Many Couples enter into the Institution of Marriage without having healthy conversations of what really works best for them both.  As a result, "tipping" occurs because we have anticipated that our Spouse would not approve or indulge in our desires.  Marriages then drift into unhealthy cycles of unfulfilling routines that seem endless.  
          Institutionalization is a form of Complacency and Complacency has no place in the Institution of Marriage.  We go to work, come home, eat dinner, kiss the kids, make love to one another, take a shower and go to bed.  The next day, we repeat the process.  Before too long, you look in the mirror at your graying hair and wonder, "Where did all the time go?"  I told my wife, "I will be chasing her around the house even when I'm 90 years old."  Why?  Because I refuse to allow myself to become Institutionalized in my Marriage.  My creative mind still has me thinking of things I would like to try.  Trust and believe that Tapioca Pudding will replace Whip Cream one day. Lol...  I may even try Peanut Butter so my protein levels can stay high. LOL...  I submit to you to not allow the Institution of Marriage to make you become Institutionalized.
          All jokes aside, God does not want us to continue our relationship with Him doing the same things day after day, week after week. You know, never even trying to explore how good He really is and thus, lowering the ceiling of our full potential.  The Bible says, that each time the Holy Spirit came, He was moving, not standing still.  From Genesis to Revelations, His movement meant that walls were coming down, healing was coming forth and the Enemy was defeated.  We grow and are able to Go Forward because we don't allow ourselves to become Complacent or Institutionalized in any aspect of our lives.
          Marriage is the same way.  Let's not become mundane, but let's grow, Go Forward together and Watch What Happens!