A line from the movie “The Messenger” staring Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster caught my attention a little while back. The two characters were sitting on the couch (both of them having a rough life and possible mental/depression issues) going over decisions in their lives and why they were miserable. The character Ben Foster plays tells a story about how he was standing over a bridge wanting to kill himself and decided not to jump. Woody’s character asks, “Why didn’t you jump?” to which he answered:

“The sun came up and I didn’t feel like dying anymore”

To me that line is so important, not just to depressed individuals but with relationships and problems. A lot of times, in the moment things seem monumental and nights seem long, but sometimes we just need a day (or a few days) to pass. We need the sun to shine and new light to shine on the situation to realize that we can get through it.  That’s why when your buddy is complaining about their husband and wife, don’t get on the bandwagon to help them thrash their spouse. They are just venting. Just listen and encourage. The “sun” will come up for them, they will see the situation in a new light, and won’t feel the same about it anymore.

The same goes for you. Don’t get down on your situation and marriage to a point where you commit marital suicide. The sun will come up and you may not feel the same.

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