One of the hardest things I have ever had to do was learn how to "leave and cleave." For those who aren't familiar with this concept, it's a principle we are taught in the Bible (Genesis 2:24) that defines the transition of a son from family relationship with mom, dad and siblings to a marriage union between him and his wife. The basis of it is such that, as a man, one is required to shift his priorities from birth family to his spouse in order to assume his responsibility as a leader, dependent on God, in his household. His focus shifts from looking up to his dad, who should ideally be looking to God for guidance, to looking directly to God through Jesus Christ on how to lead his wife for the rest of their earthly existence. It only makes sense because there ain't no room in a house for two men (dad and son) to lead, as a matter of fact it is a great way to encourage responsibility and kickstart the inception of a new household.
Why was this so hard for me to understand? Well, honestly, because of my worship of my dad and family. To no fault of the family I was brought up in, I created a warped perspective on what family is and my responsibility in the fabric of the model. I had to rethink this, as the harsh realities of marriage set in, because I had to leave all that I had known and chart on this journey with someone I had only started understanding. It has taken a whole lot of work to begin to fully understand my responsibility as a man. So here's the long awaited "Inlaws Part 2."
Blessings to you and yours
Ti