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.