Love can change the World

Without love, our earth is a tomb.”
― Robert Browning
 
In today’s world we seem to have very little control of the negative things bombarding us on the internet and television. I would like to focus this posting on the following positive statement. “Lifetime marriages can change the world.”  When we don’t see our leaders making a difference we can offer hope to others just by living out three key areas in our marriage. They are communication, commitment. and celebration:
 
We were blessed in our early years of marriage to experience a Marriage Encounter weekend that was focused entirely on communication skills.
It has been 46 years since that weekend experience but we still apply many of the principles today.
 
Communication
Our Dream Board, Prosperity Budget, our social and personal schedules are always discussed weekly. I have found that when we are both focused on the dreams and goals we want to manifest in our lives they materialize much faster. However, open and honest communication is a key component to make this successful for both in the relationship. It is imperative that we spend time communicating our hopes, dreams and expectations with one another.
 
Commitment
Most great accomplishments in life are achieved by a steadfast determination to stay on the path to reach a goal. Commitment is a key element of success. This is certainly true in relationships. In our first 50 years of marriage there have been many ups and downs. We have not always agreed on the same things. We have experienced hurt feelings and disillusionment but were taught very early in our marriage on that Marriage Encounter weekend that “Love is a decision,” and not a feeling. It’s a decision to honor our commitment to one another and work things out. So we then take the time to talk and listen.
 
Celebration
This word encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences and can be as varied as any two people in a relationship. Take the time to celebrate life! It may mean having a date night, or setting aside a special time at home to really talk and get a pulse on how things are going that week.
 
It’s so easy to take our primary relationships for granted. Passion is important in many areas of our lives. It carries us through the difficult times. In a relationship it is critically important that we be passionately invested in the wellbeing of each. That could mean celebrating the things that are important to each of us. We must have a passionate drive to keep our love for one another exciting and extraordinary.
 
We seem to remember when we need to put gas into our car so that it will not stop on us but we don’t remember to fuel our marriage.  The love we have for one another offers hope to a world that is desperate to find kindness, compassion, and joy.