Animal posts are popular. Every day there are stories about people who rescue puppies, or three legged goats, or orphaned kittens. Today I saw one about a man who found a three centimeter baby squirrel, fallen from the tree. Over the next few months he carefully tended it. It grew into his best friend, eating from his hand, riding in his pocket. Pretty sweet back-from-the-almost-dead scenario.

The article said he was not even sure what kind of animal it was when he first found it, it was so small.  But he believed it deserved a chance and he put in the time, expecting no reward. 

Last week a friend whose marriage was almost shot six months ago told me what a wonderful weekend away they had just enjoyed. Half a year ago she had solid reasons to give up, but she chose to put in the time it took to rescue her marriage. Lots of it. They spent money on counseling, read books, talked when it was hard, listened, forgave, prayed, called trusted friends, and signed up for a retreat with a renowned relationship expert.

I am amazed. Their commitment is exponentially stronger than it was a few years ago, and their compassion for one another has plumbed deeper. Blame became irrelevant in the warm light of empathy. 

"Oh, THAT was what your childhood was like? I am so very sorry. Here, let me be part of the healing." 

Probably their marriage five years ago seems undeveloped, held up against what they have now. Sometimes our beginnings are but a shadow of what we are to become.