The Marriage Conference has happened every February since 2006. There have been ebbs and flows, in terms of how many workshops are offered, or who the musical entertainment is, or how long the event lasts. In recent years it has settled into a one day format plus a fancy dinner. There are always playful activities as well as ones dependent on
words. I like words, and yet there is value in simply baking a pie together. Or messing with clay.
This year there will be a service project embedded in the afternoon, in which people will have a chance to roll up their sleeves and help. Yoga is on the docket, as well as a class in ethnic cooking, and Hidden Mandalas in Bible Imagery.
Last year we were able to bring in an author as our plenary speaker who has an
impressive resume. Turns out he is willing to barter, so I made a quilt to his wife's liking. A couple from Canada always packs the room with whatever topic they choose. The draw is that they have weathered some fierce storms, and people are eager to find out how they survived. You know. In case a friend ever needs help.
Reading through past brochures is a rich history of the many offerings.
Secrets and their Effect on
Marriage
Boxes and Wires
To Live Before I Die
Most of the 334 presenters and scores of contributors over those thirteen years have been local. As in one mile. Yet in combing through the names it hits me. Twelve of them are gone. Don. Aubrey. Jason. Marguerite. Mauro. Garry. Dianna. Hugo. Reade. Marah. Mark. Fred.
Then there are those who are not quite gone, but are forgetful. Bob.
Bill.
My underlying premise is that the line between experts and ordinary folks is sometimes paper thin. Experience cannot be bought, and the creases in your smile don't come from cruises. The other day I chatted with two men, one of whom has given a workshop in the past and another who will be leading one in a few months. Just people, who have figured stuff out. Not all of it. Some of it. And are willing to pass it
on.
Sometimes the answers we are looking for are close to home.
“The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17
