This is the month when I am on a hunt. In order for there to be a robust program for the marriage conference in February there needs to be curiosity in November. In the past there have been workshops on a wide array of topics, including communication, the Five Love Languages, mentoring, loss, and respect. There were options in the afternoon for exploring the fun part of relationships, like throwing pots, improv, badminton, and crafting jewelry. The last one fits in nicely with the quote from Exodus that is my guiding star. When the Children of Israel were called to create the Tabernacle, the litmus test was personal. Both men and women were spurred by a willing heart, rather than an outside source. Women brought their gold jewelry to be melted down into a lampstand. 

 

In the past week I have noticed two bowls. These were given fifteen years ago as thank you gifts to people who stepped forward to offer a workshop, and I was delighted to see them still being loved. Bowls are a lovely reminder of how we receive blessings, lest they spill without making it to our mouths. If the container is gorgeous as well, so much the better. 

 

One workshop I would love to see is geocaching. This is a modern day treasure hunt, and an apt exercise for this marathon called marriage. You believe that there are sweet surprises waiting to be found, and are willing to put forth the effort. 

 

Sometimes the treasure is hiding in your back yard.