I'm recovering from a crazy busy weekend. I used to lead a youth group a few years ago in Northern Virginia. A friend of mine that was in the youth group has since gone on an graduated from Belmont University in Nashville. He and his fiance' came to Stafford this weekend for a pre-marital counseling retreat. In the midst of all my other busy weekend activities we got together and they shared how they are preparing to take that leap of faith and get into a covenant relationship with one another. I felt that my own marriage was strengthened by going through this process with them.

All this to say it really made me think how important it is to come into a marriage with open eyes. When I dated Missy there was a day when I realized that I would give my life for her. From that moment on we have never looked back. In our fifteen years of marriage we have had great times and rough times. The reason why I believe that we've made it this far is Christ and Christ alone. I left to my own devices would inevitably self destruct. But Christ's example to me is serving others. I know that but don't live it out every day. Thank God that I can clear my conscience and ask for forgiveness and know that Missy indeed forgives me for my shortcomings. That's why our marriage works. Because Missy is committed to forgive me and I'm committed to forgiving her. If we didn't live like that we'd be miserable! I came across a quote this morning that is a great quote to live by. Be blessed!

Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if he or she were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness, and understanding you can muster, and do so with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.
Og Mandino