Marriage Actually - An honest look at marriage

I Love Storytime…

by Kerri on July 25th, 2007

Yeah, I am a mom. No, I’m not talking about that kind of storytime. No toddlers sitting cross-legged on the primary-colored alphabet-themed carpet. No mothers shushing their “active” kids while tots squirm around to watch the librarian turn the colorful pages.

No, I’m talking about the kind of storytime that comes from hanging around friends, new or old, who are living similar lives, but who may be at different stages of life. This weekend, I had the privilege of spending time with some family friends while we learned to make springrolls. Yes, the primary task of the day was to acquire a new culinary skill, but the sweet surprise was the time chatting, learning, and experiencing old and new friends.

Two of the couples that we spent the day with have been married about 40 years (one couple, a few less years, the other a few more). Let me tell you, people who’ve been married that long have a lot of stories to tell! Some are stories of joy and laughter and celebration. Some are stories of pain, endurance, suffering, and strength. For me, all of the stories are reminders that, while our marriage is unique to us, we are not alone in the journey itself. We can glean wisdom from couples who have walked this road before us, encouragement to work through what sometimes seems too hard to bear, and reminders to celebrate the many, large or small, instances that bring joy.

I do love to hear stories from those willing to share. I wish these opportunities to sit and listen and share came more often than they do. I think this is a much needed aspect of community.

Where do you find encouraging examples of longevity in marriage?

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POSTED IN: General, Good Stuff About Marriage