My wife and I recently went on a “marriage retreat” as probably part of my renewal as a person. We stayed overnight in a hotel with 24 other couples, and listened to guest speakers who have so many things to say about love, marriage and family.
We were actually told by the organizers that we are not supposed to post pictures, especially on Facebook, so I wouldn’t be posting pictures from the retreat here. We were also told to just keep to ourselves what we learned there, so what I’m going to write is about my insight on the program.
I’ve always known, even before getting married, that family life is not easy. Coming from a poor family, I was a witness to my parents’ struggles. My father had to work abroad, away from his family to support us. My mom had to ran a small business to augment my father’s earnings. I always knew that when I get married myself, things could be the same.
My own married life had its ups and downs. But I was just so glad that my wife and I were able to breeze through the challenges successfully. In our sixth year of marriage, we have somewhat hit a certain balance – emotionally, physically, financially.
And when I thought I knew everything about married life – I was wrong. There are still so many things to learn, to know, to experience. Listening to couples who have experienced the worsts in married life, I slowly understood what it really meant to be a husband and a father.
The marriage retreat was like a renewal of our vows. I feel there’s a lot of change with the way I look at married life and how I would deal with the challenges. I know that the future is uncertain, and that I could not see where our path would lead, but I am confident that God is with us and that His will for us is that we be together. He will give us what we need to face that future.
I highly recommend a marriage retreat especially for couples who need more guidance on how to handle their relationships. I thought I was good. Now, I know I can be better. I can improve.
photocredit:denanburke.com
A Dose A Day 
Hi! I’m 26yrs old and my friends younger than me are married and they always encourage me to get married, I always think the same way; as Family life is not easy, that’s why am so not into getting married. From what you have post, I think we just need to cope with our family life and learn from each other. Love what you have posted. All the best in your family life and God Bless.
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Thanks, Anonymous. I hope my post didn’t discouraged you from getting married 🙂 You are on a right age though, but age does not necessarily tell whether you are ready for married life or not. Indeed, learning from each other as a couple is the best way to go through it. Thank you for taking the time reading, and leaving your thoughts. God bless you too.
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Marriage relationships are always a work in progress for so many reasons. I guess the main one is that we are ever changing and so is our mate. It’s when we expect them to stay the same and not grow that difficulties come up. I speak from experience as I will be married 48 years in August. It seems like yesterday that we got married. Hard time have come and gone but we continue to respect and love each other. Those two should be at the top of the list and then there is laughter. For without that life would seem so very, very grim.
I’m glad you were able to get something positive from your retreat.
Blessings to you both …
ISadora
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Respect, love and laughter 🙂 I’ll always remember that. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. And congratulations on your 48th year of marriage. You are an inspiration.
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Stunning post once again Nelson and yes, it’s much easier to divorce than to stay married my friend. A marriage to me is like a “friendship” and without unconditional love, trust, honesty, loyalty and open communication it won’t survive. Being married for 27 years I can look back and say I don’t regret anything, even the hard times as it makes your love stronger. We are not here to change others but only ourselves and I see a long, happy married life for you and your lovely wife my friend. *hugs*
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Sonel! I’ll always remember your words when things get rough. Congratulations on your 27th year of marriage. You inspire me 🙂
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You are very welcome my friend and thank you very much. This year December it will be 28. I am thankful for having a very patient hubby and being a Libran helps as I am the stubborn Taurus. LOL!
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