Christopher Columbus went in search of a westward route to Asia and discovered America. It was a difficult journey, probably a bit embarrassing that he missed his mark, and at the time, he didn't realize the full magnitude of the amazing discovery he had made.



The same is true of our marriage relationships.

-A Difficult Journey

My 12 year old, in a rare introspective moment, recently asked me, "Mom, what do you do if you get married and later your wife gets all weird and does bad things?"

It was a wonderful opportunity for me to talk with him about the steps I took in deciding to marry his dad, and the importance of considering many different things when making important life decisions. I was also able to reinforce the importance of faith and prayer.

It's important that we each put some serious thought and prayer into deciding who we will spend the rest of our life with.

Then when the tough times come...and we are all afflicted with tough times in our marriage, we can have the confidence, commitment and trust in our original decision, and spouse, that we work through the problems and don't allow them to work us.

When these rough times engulf our life, take time to reflect upon the many things that caused you to fall in love with your spouse. Look at the things you are doing as a couple that weaken and strengthen your relationship, then try to do more things to strengthen your relationship.

Most relationships need just a few simple extra efforts to shore up the weak areas. Commit yourself to weekly dates nights, this will keep the communication lines open and the magic in your marriage.

Take time to talk each day about successes, failures and things that are going on in your life, it's so important to feel connected to each other.

-Embarrassing Moments

We can learn from Columbus' efforts to make the best of his discovery and not go stomping back to Spain blaming his first mate for the wrong turn he made.

We've all had times where our spouse did or said something that embarrassed us. We can choose to be a Columbus and embrace the moment. Or go stomping back to Spain and not allow ourselves to grow from the experience.

Of course, it's important to discuss privately how that situation made us uncomfortable. Discuss how it made you feel and ways it could be handled differently in the future. But in the moment, have a sense of humor and see what you can do to grow from the experience.

Having a poised or humorous response to an embarrassing situation helps diffuse the discomfort for everyone and shows what champion discoverers are made of!

-The Grand Discovery

As you remain committed to your spouse, even when the journey takes unexpected turns, you will make a grand discovery.

It doesn't really matter where we end up on our journey, it's what we allow our self to discover along the way that fills our life with joy and not fear. Then we will be able to find and enjoy all the hidden treasures in our marriage relationship.

Allow your journey in life to be a grand discovery so that you will be able to see the many hidden treasures you have in your spouse.