Here is a letter, written by one of the elders in the congregation I’m a member of, written to a couple who were preparing to be married:
http://www.bswett.com/1982-03Marriage.html
I will post only his closing paragraph and hope you read what comes before it:
Marriage is an opportunity in which a man and a woman can learn how to love each other, and their in-laws, and their children, and an ever-increasing circle of friends and neighbors and relatives. Real love grows in height and breadth and depth until it transcends all human distinctions. Therefore, the reality you can build from this beginning is not limited to yourselves alone; and as you know, it is not limited to this world. The reality you can build together is the kind of love that is both the will and the very nature of God.
Nice. Here’s to not being a quitter!
I liked the author’s example of the man caring for his wife in the nursing home. At the gym we attend, I often see elderly couples exercising. Sometimes one or the other is clearly failing, mentally or physically. I want to grow into a person who will take my spouse to the gym and patiently show him what to do each time.
Wonderful advice. The Mrs. & I are spending Valentine’s Day week at a luxury lakeside resort in Tennessee. What runs $1000 plus in the summer is $200 in February. Of course, I can’t boat, fish or golf, but we have everything we need for the really romantic activities.
That’s beautiful. Thank you for posting it.