“Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful and magical humans on earth, for what they believe is what they will become.” – Brooke Hampton

“Leaving is not something for people. It’s leaving something IN people.” – Peter Strople

This morning’s church service was on the topic of marriage and families. This topic always excites me as I am so passionate about this area of life.

Pastor Brad said, “empty nesters can be marriage mentors. Your healthy marriage can inspire other marriages.” I cannot agree with this more!

This wasn’t always the case as we walked through the deepest valley in marriage. We had to build, brick by brick, to see the top of the valley.

Our mission was to build on a new foundation of love, trust, and forgiveness. And, to be able to leave a legacy of love for each other and for our family.

Do our children see how well we are doing family?

What do our children see in our daily lives?

It’s not about perfection or condemnation. It’s about seeing two imperfect people striving to be an example of servanthood. Putting our needs to the back of the line and serving our spouse's needs first. Easy? Certainly not all the time. I believe wholeheartedly that when we do this love action, our own needs will be taken care of.

As we have journeyed through new territory over the last nine years, we have grown in so many new ways. I can only speak for myself when I say that I have discovered that when my personal relationship grew with Christ, so did I. Do I have regrets that my life would have been different? Yes, but I cannot sit there.

We need to be intentional about our thoughts, choices, and actions. Each step forward brings new beautiful blessings into our lives.

“You cannot steal second with a foot on first.”

“Be who you needed when you were younger.” – Daniel Abrahams

Duet 6:5-7 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Never forget these commands that I am giving you today. Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working.

As I now coach couples, I see their marriages flourishing in so many areas but the first important part is communication.

Can you and your spouse communicate your thoughts, visions, and everyday needs?

How is the response?

Are we truly listening?

What is your heart's motive?

Are you honoring each other?

I challenge each one of us to be still and seek what our heart's motive is. Is it to build a beautiful legacy or is it self-fulfilling? Reach out if help is needed.

“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” – Billy Graham

Our children (and others) are always watching how we deal with interruptions in life.

What will they see?

We can do this together!

Blessings,

Anita