Monday, April 25, 2011

Marriage Monday: "That," he said, "is the key to our marriage."

I've been reading through a marriage enrichment book and when I came across this cute little story and I just fell in love with the couple and the message. The passage begins by discussing three major ways we can help our spouse and mentions encouragement as one of the key components.

"A couple who were being interviewed on the occasion of their fiftieth wedding anniversary were asked, "To what do you attribute the success of your long marriage?" The husband responded, "Sarah was the first young lady I ever dated. When I proposed her, I was scared stiff. But after the wedding, her dad took me aside and handed me a little package and said, 'Here is all you really need to know.'"
The obvious question was, "And what was in that package?"

Reaching into his pocket, the man pulled out a gold watch and said, 'This is it.' There across the face of the watch, where he could see it a dozen times a day, was written, Say something nice to Sarah. "That," he said, "is the key to our marriage."


Life can sometimes be difficult, but when we receive positive words, we are encouraged to continue pursuing our dreams."

--Excerpt from The Four Seasons of Marriage by Gary Chapman


Great right? I love the wisdom of his new father-in-law. I love that this sweet little old man carried this watch around with him even so many years later. I love that even though it was the same message he was seeing everyday he took it to heart and did it. Everyday. I love that he recognized the importance of encouraging his wife. I love that he realized the huge effect positive interaction had on their marriage.

What did you like about this story?




You can find my other Marriage Monday's here.



*Image found with google images.

13 comments:

Jenni Elyse said...

What a great little story. It's amazing how such small things can make such a big difference. Thanks for sharing!

Suzie-Q said...

So True! I love hearing nice things and so does my husband! We should continue even on to each of our children and say nice things to them.
thanks for the wonderful thought this morning!

Kristie said...

How sweet. I think this is so true for men to women. Although I think if I did this with my hubby he would think I am being way weird at first. But he might eventually get used to it.
Thanks for the suggestion!

Charlotte said...

That story brought tears to my eyes. So simple but powerful. I need to remember this lesson and apply it with my husband, too.

bedelia said...

I sent this to my husband. ha. But I should probably be better at it too.

Rochelle Brunson said...

What a cute little story, and a great message.

Heidi said...

Very cute story.

Natalia said...

Sometimes we get so comfortable with one another that we forget to complement each other (at least, I do). Yet a simple compliment goes such a long way and really strengthens the bond between us.

Yamile said...

It's the simple things that keep a marriage (and every other relationship really) alive. Thanks for sharing!

Olivia Carter said...

Love this story! So true!

Susan said...

I love these posts, Debbie! :) I have heard this story before, but I like it so much! Thanks for sharing it, and reminding me to be nicer to my sweetheart. :)

Corine Moore said...

I love that the FIL's note got the husband looking for the good in his wife from the very beginning; you have to be looking for the good to be able to find something nice to say. :) Great story!

Jessica G. said...

LOVE this! Kinda wish my husband had a gold watch...I'd even settle for a plastic one with Spiderman hands as long as it said the same thing as this one.