It is not unusual for my youngest son to insist that his mom and I embrace and exchange a kiss. This is always followed by a snicker and huge grin on his face. Pretty obvious to me that children find joy in their parents love for each other

I just had a marital session with a nice couple who are making real changes. I was struck with the fact that marriage is hard work. I know this isn’t a new thought. It is something I have to remind myself and my clients of regularly. Often, my job as a marriage therapist is less about techniques and strategies and more about maintaining motivation.

A healthy marriage is not always happy. Often it involves doing the work to get through the tough times, so you can celebrate the good times to follow. It is hard work that is well worth the effort.

The last few months, I’ve been challenged spiritually. Find your calling and pursue it. That is a message I have heard numerous times . In particular, I have read a book about raising boys that advocates a “Rejection of Passivity”. Couple that with a men’s conference at church that specifically said to find your calling and pursue it. As I considered that message I constantly heard “Helping Marriages”. Was it the Holy Spirit? I think so. So here I am, launching a blog about Marriage. I’ve had all the common reasons for not blogging. However I now see it as a great place to start my new pursuit.

Obviously the focus of this blog will be on marriage. I believe marriage is the foundational relationship of the family. It creates the environment in which we all develop our sense of who we are both as individuals and as members of a family. So on numerous occasions I will discuss, family, parenting, and mental health. Also, I am a Christian. So spirituality, from that perspective, will also be on the table.

If you have found this first post, I hope you will return on occasion to check it out.