I could as easily reflect about the conversation. We were a troop of marriage mentors, who have freely chosen to spend a slice of our limited time with a younger couple in the hopes of offering support. Tonight was the celebration of months of training, and it was a party. There was brag time, the tradition of expressing what we appreciate about our spouse. Those stories included the refurbishing of the master bath, and the dedication to closing the estate of a deceased parent, patience through surgery and the willingness to work long hours to support their family. These glimpses into the tenderness of marriage are as sweet as key lime pie, and give me pause. Yet where else do we say such things? Certainly not in the standard sequence of "How's it goin'?" that fills the time between bites at a business lunch. 

 

There were presents, small quilts with fabric neighborhoods like the one we have created together, and certificates to eat out another night. Those tangibles help to extend the joy into tomorrow and next month.  

I could talk about the repercussions. These twelve couples branch out into their circle of influence to twelve other couples, to add fiber to the relationships that support children, livelihoods, extended family.

 

 

Photo by Joy Feerrar

you can support us at

www.caringformarriage.org