Secret to Marriage Success

Day 21 in this Month of Love — Secret to Marriage Success
Last week I attended the funeral of a dear man who lived a full and blessed life.  Just two months ago, he and his wife celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.  Now, that’s what I call “stick-to-it-tivness” and “only till death did they part”.

What makes for a marriage that stands the test of time — through thick and thin, ups and downs, highs and lows, tough times and sweet times, smooth and rocky roads?  I’d say listening to those whose marriages have lasted through it all is the first place to go for advice.

A good friend of mine was meeting with some of his clients.  He asked them “What is the secret to your 68 years of marriage?”   The wife went to her refrigerator, removed this handwritten note from its magnet and gave it to my friend to read.  This is what it said:

“God grant me the serenity to accept the people that I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can – and the wisdom to know it’s me.”

Such wisdom, that if used in marriages and other relationships — the years, the love, the respect, the joys and the blessings would last a lifetime.

Perhaps this little note could be the wisdom we need to create longevity for the relationships in our lives.  I’m praying “Change ME, Lord!”  How about you?