I love it when I learn something new. When something I thought I knew the answer to proves to be untrue, inaccurate, misguided or simple-minded. For some that may be difficult, and when I first married Keith that was certainly the case for me, but over the years I’ve come to appreciate the growth that comes from knowing there is still so much for me to learn and so many areas in which I can improve.
When I set out over a week ago, traveling to 12 countries and all 7 continents in search of the secret to a happy marriage, I thought I was doing that in order to show women all over the world a loving and happy marriage is possible til’ death do you part. But what I’ve discovered so far -and I’ve just barely reached the second country- is this was also about encouraging myself.
What I’ve realized in listening to all these wonderfully happy and genuine couples is all the right things Keith and I have been doing over these years is exactly what they’ve been doing for the past 20, 30, 40, 50-plus years and much more. They’ve sustained it all over time. For Keith and I, we’re just in the first leg of this marathon. We will need to continue what we’re doing for the next half-century, if we are blessed to live that long.
I’ve realized meeting all these couples, interviewing them -and learning about how they established a great marriage from the start, laid a solid foundation by creating good habits, and built upon that foundation over time- I am giving myself the strength and knowledge I will need to do the same. When naysayers look at us and say it’s not possible, I will think back to this journey and all those I met and know in my heart, it most certainly is. As the world becomes more negative, I must fight to continue to be positive and not allow the outside world to adversely impact my marriage.
Keith and I have been building the foundation of our marriage for the past 9 years and next year we’ll celebrate a decade of togetherness. Now, is not the time to get lazy or complacent. The strength of every layer of our marriage will depend on how solid our foundation is in God, our trust and respect for each other, and our diligence toward making the right decisions over and over until they become great habits for the remainder of our lives.
If you’re happily married and haven’t taken the time to join the Club, make sure to join us today. It takes only seconds and, of course, it’s completely free. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing with you the story of a husband’s enormous love and forgiveness for a wife who committed the ultimate wrongdoing in a marriage. Until tomorrow…make it a great day!
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