Parallel Spirituality: Tracks That Never Touch

Imagine for a moment the tracks of a train. Both steel lines cross exactly the same landscape, travel in the same direction, and yet, they never, ever touch. Many times, without realizing it, our marriage can start to function exactly like that, especially in the most important area of all: our relationship with God.

We can attend or tune into the same Sunday service, sit a few inches apart from each other on the same pew, and even sing the same song, assuming we are 'sharing' a spiritual moment. But the reality is that often, that is just physical proximity, not true intimacy.

The big problem with living this kind of 'parallel spirituality' is the enormous risk of asynchronous growth. It is as if one of you joined a gym to train every single day while the other decides to stay on the couch eating ice cream and watching television. Inevitably, your speeds and interests will begin to clash.