Our friend John wondered why there were so few crickets. They used to make a racket every summer evening. Now they were almost silent. What was the reason? Pesticides? Winter freeze? Migration?
Then he got hearing aids. The first night … Read more
Discoveries: Fitting the Parts Together to Make a Marriage
Marriage is like combining two halves of a house to make one home.
Imagine that a person has many friends in the construction industry. When it comes time to make a new home, he calls a couple of his buddies … Read more
The Perils of Praise
What’s your reaction if I tell you that you are the sweetest, finest, brightest, most talented and beautiful person I have ever known?
You will probably have several reactions:
1. It’s nice to be appreciated. It feels good.
2. I’m … Read more
Who Deserves Our Compassion?
A good friend called to talk about a difficult uncle. He is distant and prickly. She is tired of trying to be nice to him when he shows only rudeness to her. I suggested that she try to understand his … Read more
Discoveries: Essential Truths for Relationships Making Each Other Crazy
People are as different as foods on a buffet. For example, I am an extrovert. I do my thinking on the outside. I think out loud. Nancy is an introvert. She likes to think before she talks (in spite of … Read more
Crazy About You!
When 3 year-old Ian comes to visit his adoring Papa, we fall easily and naturally into joyous companionship. We play with wind-up toys. We “cook” meals with play dough. We pop popcorn and watch Robots yet again. Loving him is … Read more
The Blessings of Sacrifice in Family Life
I love cheese. Big piles of melted cheese. Cheese enchiladas. Covered nachos. Omelets oozing cheese. Almost any form of cheddar. But my affection is unrequited. Cheese is not good for me.
Most the time I avoid cheese because of what … Read more
The Importance of Service and Sacrifice
Here’s a great idea …
In his book, The Heart of Commitment, Scott Stanley says, “Sacrifice [and service are] the highest expressions of dedicated, loving action because it asks you to show by your actions that you really mean it … Read more
How Can I Get My Partner to Change?
Here’s a great idea …
In her book, Why Talking is Not Enough, Susan Page says, “Of course, most of us want certain changes in our partners. The way to create these changes is to begin with what is actually … Read more
What Beauty Have You Experienced Today?
Here’s a great idea …
In their publication, The Personal Journey, Wally Goddard and James Marshall say, “In the hike of life, we can focus on the obstacles along the trail or the beauty that surrounds us. Those who find … Read more