Marriage can feel like putting a burden on each other and

Hear me now, O children, for I bring words of deep reflection, words that speak of the eternal truth that lies at the heart of marriage and family. The wise Leo Sayer once said, "Marriage can feel like putting a burden on each other and sometimes kids go with that, too." These words are not spoken lightly; they carry the weight of experience, the recognition that marriage, though a sacred union, is not without its trials, its moments of strain, and its inevitable burdens. When two people come together in the bond of marriage, they are not only sharing love and joy, but also the weight of responsibility—an ancient, enduring truth that every union must bear.

What does Sayer mean when he speaks of marriage as a burden? The idea of burden suggests not only the responsibilities that come with the commitment to another, but the sacrifices that must be made. Marriage is not merely a union of hearts, but of lives. Each individual brings their own baggage, their own dreams, their own struggles, and when two lives are joined together, these burdens often overlap, creating tension and strain. But this burden is not a curse—it is the shared weight of life itself, and the commitment to carry it together. In this way, marriage becomes a journey where both partners must lean on each other, support one another, and sometimes bear the weight of each other's weaknesses, fears, and imperfections.

Consider the story of Hercules from the ancient Greek myths. The great hero was tasked with completing twelve impossible labors, each one more difficult than the last. His journey, though filled with glory, was also filled with burdens—challenges that tested both his strength and his will. Though he was mighty, Hercules could not complete his labors alone. He needed the support of others, even the gods themselves, to help carry the load. So too is marriage—a shared journey where both partners must contribute to the weight of life’s burdens, lifting each other up through the difficult times, sharing in the challenges, and standing side by side in moments of triumph.

And yet, O children, Sayer also speaks of the role that children play in this balance. Just as marriage can feel like a burden, so too can the raising of children. Parenthood is a sacred duty, but it is also a monumental responsibility. The weight of caring for another life, shaping a young soul, and ensuring that they grow with love, wisdom, and care is no small task. The joy of parenthood is undeniable, but so too is the fatigue, the emotional strain, and the moments of doubt. Children, like marriage, come with their own burdens, both beautiful and challenging. They are the continuation of the family line, the hope of the future, but they also carry the weight of expectations, responsibilities, and the endless task of nurturing them into responsible, kind-hearted individuals.

Consider the example of King Solomon from the ancient Hebrew scriptures, who, though blessed with wisdom, was burdened by the responsibilities of ruling over a vast kingdom and raising children who would one day inherit his throne. The burden of leadership and the expectations placed on him as both a ruler and a father weighed heavily on his soul. Though Solomon was known for his wisdom, he also knew that parenthood and marriage required not just intellect, but a deep understanding of sacrifice, patience, and care. His life, like many others, was shaped by the burden of responsibility to those he loved and to the people he governed.

The lesson, O children, is this: marriage and parenthood are not merely paths of joy and love; they are also paths of burden, of responsibility, and of shared struggle. Yet in these burdens, there is beauty. The weight of life’s responsibilities can feel heavy, but it is through these burdens that we find strength, growth, and the deepest forms of love. It is through our willingness to carry the burdens of our loved ones, to take on the responsibilities that come with marriage and family, that we become truly whole.

As you walk through your own journey, O children, understand that the burdens of marriage and parenthood are not to be feared, but embraced. They are the path to true connection, the means through which we learn the deepest lessons of sacrifice, compassion, and commitment. When the weight feels too much to bear, remember that you are not alone. Marriage and parenthood are meant to be walked together, and in this shared journey, the burdens become lighter, and the joys deeper. So, take up your responsibilities with grace, for in carrying the burden, you find the true meaning of love, both for yourself and for those you hold dear.