Mrs Rita was invited to a marriage ceremony and she was early to the church wedding before the reception. At the appointed time, the bride walked up majestically and happily as she was being taken to the alter.
Mrs Rita shook her head and thought about her marriage. "It has been 8 years of hell" she thought. "If only this bride knew she is going into bondage in the name of marriage", she exclaimed almost aloud.
Mrs Rita had been married for 8 years and never had it easy. Its been quarrels and fights with the husband in her home and hence no peace.
After the church wedding, attention shifted to the reception venue. Mrs Rita was waiting to enter reception when she noticed an aged couple parking at the lobby. She observed as the elderly man stopped the car, climbed out and walked to the back of the car to open the car door for the wife. The wife, also elderly, came out and walked towards Mrs Rita while the husband went back to park properly.
Mrs Rita could not resist the urge to approach the woman. She went close to her and engaged her:
"Good afternoon Ma'am". Greeted Mrs Rita.
"Good afternoon my dear". Replied the woman.
Mrs Rita inquired, " I watched with admiration how you relate with your husband. How long have you been married ma?"
"Its been 42 years old marriage", replied the woman.
"Wow!" exclaimed Mrs Rita. "How did you do it? What is the secret? You both look very happy! I'm 8 years into my own marriage and I never found a reason to think it was a good decision to get married".
The woman smiled and said, "Things do not look as they seem. Not all that glitters are gold".
Mrs Rita was a bit confused. The woman noticed the confusion on her face and asked, "you believe we are happy in our marriage because my husband gladly came down to open the car door for me to come down right"?
Mrs Rita nodded in affirmative.
"Well", explained the woman, "my husband was convinced that his car doors always get broken because of the way I open the doors. So he mandated that I should no more touch or open his car doors. That he will gladly come down and open the doors for me anytime and anywhere.
So not all that glitters are gold. But its left for you to show the world what you want them to think of you. I decided to smile and laugh over it every time he opens the door. My smiles sent a message of happy marriage to you. You also can choose to advertise a happy marriage in-spite of bitter situations.
This story was told by priest in a church service. Never envy anyone for you do not know the cross the person is carrying in his or her life. Be grateful for what you have and what you are. Strive for success but without bitterness