Romance Among the Married

As I look at statistics and broken families (even in the church) it becomes discouraging to think about the odds against a new marriage. But then I talk to or see couples that have been married for 5 years, 10 years, and more, I am reminded that when a couple commits and works to make a marriage work, it can be joy and romance through the years.

Jesse's mom told me the story of how she met Jesse's dad. As she described the point at which she knew that she had met the man to marry she put it, "It was like a light went on...and it never went out."

Through words and actions, my parents have made it a point to never let us kids doubt that they loved each other and would be there, together, anytime we needed them.

One of our technology guys regularly receives calls from his wife when I'm around. Everytime, he answers the phone, "Hello, Gorgeous!"

PHC's new president was leading his very first meeting for ALL PHC employees when his wife joined the meeting a few minutes late. As he immediately broke what he was saying to introduce her, he unabashedly admitted, "You may notice a big smile on my face anytime she walks into the room."

During pre-marital counseling Monday evening, Pastor Ray and Carol shared some of their history with us and gave us a couple of pieces of advice that they have learned from their experience--pray together and cultivate shared interests to maintain the basis of friendship, be each other's best friend.

Then there are events that are reminders of God's mercy and grace in every relationship. There is one couple in our church that has been having some problems and he hasn't attended our church services for months. A week ago this past Sunday, I found myself praying for them specifically for no particular reason. Then this past Sunday, he unexpectedly came for the service. His appearance was a surprise to myself and many others, it also felt to me that God was affirming (perhaps just for me) His working in each of their lives.