Last night we went to a wedding celebration for one of our couples we 
mentored. We are always honored when we are asked to be a part of their special time and witness their commitment.
We so appreciated a special segment they shared. They had videotaped their story of how they met and the bride shared that when she met her husband-to-be, he was just different than others she had dated. He was kind, gentle and most importantly reflected Christ to her. It was a beautiful story and a bold one to share, but we thought wouldn’t it be great if those who had similar stories took the opportunity to share the beginning and foundation of how their love began.
It’s interesting that Dr. Gottman, who is a professor at the University of Washington and has dedicated his life work to studying marriage, tells us that how a couple shares “their story” is a strong predictor of whether or not they will stay together. Not so much what they say, but how they say it. After being married awhile, the couples who recall the early days of their relationship – the good and bad times – with smiles, laughter and softness are the ones more likely to stay married.
We have a feeling this couple’s story will be shared with the same tenderness and joy for many years to come — not only for them, but for all of us who witnessed it as well.
Grace and peace,
Penny and David