I heard a song this past weekend by Casting Crowns from their Altar and The Door Album called Slow Fade. The lyrics have churned through my thoughts the past several days with a sense of deep sadness. I have been compelled to pray for the marriages of many people I know. A small portion of the lyrics are:

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white are turned to gray
And thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

The words ring very true in the world we live in. There is so much on our daily to-do list that pulls us away from time with God.

God becomes a slow fade.

We find there is little time for quietness with our spouse. Seldom is there time to sit, talk and listen. Time to laugh and remember.

Our love becomes a slow fade.

Loneliness and frustration fills our thoughts - we deserve more. Boundaries are crossed when someone of the opposite sex compliments us. Suddenly, we are filled with a rush of excitement that someone noticed us, and we are intrigued by their attention. What was once black and white, turns to gray.

Our vows become a slow fade.

People do not leave their marriages and their families overnight. The desire, the enticement, the pulling away has been occurring in their hearts for a long time.

It is a slow fade.

I encourage you to keep your heart closely connected to God. Do not let your marriage and your family do a slow fade.

Choices are made.