What Makes Them Great?

Have you ever wondered what the best marraiges have in common? What is it that makes them seem so happy? What is it that holds it together so well?

It's become a favorite pastime of mine to informally interview 'lifers' to get their perspective on long, successful marriages. Without exception 3 things come up.

First, they recognize it requires effort on both sides. All of us marrieds know that. Marriages don't stay together for long when they depend on one partner carrying the load.

Secondly, they recognize it takes a sense of humor. They laugh a lot. About life and occasionally, about each other. But they laugh. And it carries them through.

Lastly, most that I talk to admit that taking their faith seriously has made the difference. It introduced a higher standard into their relationship. Not a 'he said-she said', but a higher authority consistently weighs in.

I love to look a lifer in the eye and express my admiration and appreciation. Truth is, they give me hope that no matter who we are, we can make it work. The lines on the face tell me they've been down the road a long way...they could tell many stories of struggle. But having been there and lived to tell about it, today they just smile and say, 'you can do it...we did it. So can you.'

I want my marriage to be one of the great ones. One that causes younger couples to pause and wonder. And maybe one day they'll stop me to ask...so just how DID you do it?

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