Strong & Happy Marriages Begin Here: Harnessing the Power of Two

By Kim Hall on Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Earlier this week, I published this fabulous post by Maggie Reyes. In it, she answers a very simple question:

What is the best marriage advice you’ve ever received?

After reading how unique her answer to this question was, I wondered if I asked three more of my favorite writers the same question, if they’d all have similar answers.

The answer, in short, is not even close.

Each response was so different, wonderful, visual and unique that I’ve asked each one to write an article for you sharing the best piece of marriage advice they’ve received along this journey called life.

I hope you enjoy this impromptu series that began on Monday, The Best Marriage Advice We Ever Got. Part one was written by Maggie with ModernMarried.com. Part Two, what you are about to read, was written by the wonderful Kim Hall at TooDarnHappy.com.

Every day, for the remainder of this week, I’ll publish a new article that answers this one question and I trust it will inspire us all. I am SO excited to read them myself! Hope you’ll join me here all week.

Until tomorrow…make it a great day!

__________

When asked recently about the best marriage advice we’d ever gotten, I really had to stop and think.

We’ve been married for 31 years, so there was a lot of mental sifting and searching to do.

Then, I recalled the best marriage advice we’ve ever gotten wasn’t really marriage advice at all, but something I had overheard at a country fair years before.

Part of the entertainment at the fair was being able to watch the horse pulls.

Those of us that could make our way through the forest of jean-clad spectators would perch on the bottom rail of the fence with our elbows hooked securely over the top.

The team of large draft horses would be led into the dusty ring, hooked to the sled, and would leap forward at the command from their driver.

Their hooves dug into the dirt and muscles would strain as they worked to pull more weight than any other team.

This is quite a feat, given that the horses weigh in around 3,400 pounds each, more or less, and the loads start at around 3,500 pounds, and can top out at close to 10,000 pounds.

I heard a little boy ask his grandfather how the horses knew what to do.

The weathered farmer replied that in order for the gentle giants to do their work on the farm, they had to learn about harnessing the power of two.

He continued, sharing that the horses were trained to pull in unison and were immediately stopped if they strained unequally against the yoke.

The danger of them going their own way meant that not only would the work not get done, but if they physically fought the constraints of the yoke, there was also a great risk of injury to everyone.

Plus, the damage to the equipment and the possibility of unplowed and unplanted fields could be catastrophic to the financial health of the household.

The similarity to strong and happy marriages is unmistakable:

Knowing you always have a teammate provides a regular and refreshing drink of encouragement.

The whole is greater—and stronger—than the sum of its parts, to paraphrase Aristotle.

Pulling in the same direction means progress towards and achievement of goals.

A road traveled together makes for a more joyful journey.

And especially this: A load shared is a load lightened.

My husband and I have subscribed to this powerful advice of Harnessing the Power of Two, and it has made for an incredibly satisfying journey.

COMMENTS: Please share one way you are Harnessing the Power of Two in your marriage!

May you find happiness wherever you are! Kim, your personal Sherpa of Joy at Too Darn Happy

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Kim Hall

Writer

Kim Hall created Too Darn Happy with the mission of helping you find happiness in all circumstances through the encouragement of faith, the practice of gratitude, and the discovery of joy, all spun together with fresh perspectives, practical advice, and a personal touch. She recently authored her first ebook, Practicing Gratitude and Discovering Joy-30 Days to a Happier You.

Latest posts by Kim Hall (see all)

5 Great Marriage Lessons from the Least Likely Place - July 21, 2014
6 Surprising Benefits of Dating Your Husband - June 23, 2014
Want a Happier Marriage? Research Says Do This, Not That. - May 21, 2014

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are snarky, offensive, or off-topic. If in doubt, read My Comment Policy

Christine St.Vil

This is such a great and powerful message/lesson Kim! I love this and will definitely share and bookmark so thanks for sharing!

I get asked several times a week how I do all that I do on a daily basis…the truth of the matter is that I couldn’t do half of what I do if I didn’t have my husband by my side. We truly harness the power of two in our marriage on a daily basis. Everything we do, we work together as a team. Just yesterday, I was called to do a live interview at a radio station. Without any hesitation, my husband told me to go, and he took over with the kids/dinner routine in my absence. I can’t imagine not “harnessing the power of two”, and so grateful that we do.
- http://www.happywivesclub.com/ Fawn @ Happy Wives Club
  
  Ditto that a thousand times!
- http://www.toodarnhappy.com/ Kim Hall
  
  What a sweetie pie of a hubby! I love hearing about spouses that automatically step up to the plate without being asked. Glad you enjoyed the message!
iyasostuff

sometimes I take for granted how much easier my life is, because of my husband.
I’m truly grateful for him – we help each other to dream bigger, have more faith, and expect bigger results.
What a blessing to be a “twin”
- http://www.toodarnhappy.com/ Kim Hall
  
  That is terrific, iyasostuff! I love your analogy of being a twin. What a blessing that both of you are inspired by each other! That is harnessing the power of two for sure!
Seana Turner

“Many hands make light work” is a phrase that has always echoed through my mind. In marriage, it applies even if we are working on different tasks… still heading in the same direction, contributing our best. Lovely:)
- http://www.toodarnhappy.com/ Kim Hall
  
  What a terrific example, Seana! The power of two doesn’t necessarily mean that we are always doing the same tasks together, but working together in the same direction. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.osasandgodwin.com osas Richard

thanks fot the post Fawn and kim.
- http://www.toodarnhappy.com/ Kim Hall
  
  You are most welcome!
Katherine Leppo

This is wonderful My Hubby and are going to be celebrating our first year anniversary this coming May. All of the encouragement and advice I have gotten from this page and many others posted has helped me a great deal through out this first year. I sincerely thank you for all of this and look forward to spending many more years!
- http://www.toodarnhappy.com/ Kim Hall
  
  You are so welcome, Katherine! What a blessing you must be to your husband and others as you learn and apply advice and encouragement for a stronger and more joyful marriage! Thank you for your kind words. I am humbled!
- Christine St.Vil
  
  That’s so exciting Katherine, happy (early) anniversary! I, too, get so inspired from this page and all of the stories and lessons shared here Thank you for sharing!