Sweetheart banquet

On Saturday, married couples in our church were given a very special treat by the youth. We were given invitations to a sweetheart banquet, including childcare! Some of the youth watched the children at the home next door to the church while the others worked diligently at the church fixing a wonderful meal. We walked in to the church to find that all the pews had been removed and the sanctuary was transformed into an elegant and romantic room with white Christmas lights, individual card tables for each couple, candles, centerpieces, china place settings, ivy and greenery, and soft music. There was even a place for picture-taking. We had hors d'oeuvres, an excellent meal, coffee or a tea of choice and an individual heart-shaped cake for each couple with our names decorated on them. Wow. It was so much fun.

During the evening, the organizers of the banquet asked that each couple would give some advice about what has helped keep our marriages strong, for the benefit of each other as well as for the youth that hope to be married some day. Here is a list of those that I remember:

-guard your heart/thoughts (Positive thoughts of your spouse will bring you together. Fostering negative thoughts will drive you apart.)
-be spontaneous
-gratefulness of your marriage and your spouse
-have a repentant heart
-learn to communicate
-learn how to have joint responsibility (i.e. children, etc.)
-respect each other
-always leave with "I love you" and a kiss
-always say things in a way that builds up your spouse and does not tear down
-cherish the opportunity to learn more about one other person in this world more than any other
-remember why you married your spouse
-ask God to change your spouse-don't try to do it yourself
-be willing to change yourself
-continue to be sensitive like you were when you were courting
-do things together
-grow together, knowing that you will both change

What a wealth of advice! I appreciate the depth of knowledge and experience that couples who have been married longer than Keith and I have, and drink in the wisdom that they have gained. The ride of marriage is one that you get on at the altar and don't get off no matter what. It can be challenging and stretching at times, but having an attitude of never giving up is essential. I am grateful beyond measure for my husband and our marriage and I never want to take it for granted.