Gone Fishin'

    Marriage is about sacrifice. So many of us say our vows without really understanding the weight of those words. In sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer. Then years pass, and your beautiful bride asks if you will request off work to take her to her favorite concert. Or maybe your stunning groom asks if he can spend your savings on that new grill. I'm sure the first thing you think about in that moment is your wedding vow, right? Most likely your first thought is, "what have you done for me lately?".

   Sacrifice. It's a big word, and nobody likes being told they must do it. The truth is, it is a sure-fire way to prove to your spouse that you love them. When we are willing to set aside our selfish desires to put a smile on their face, they are reassured that they are important to us. That is vital to a relationship.

   Justin recently took me on a fishing expedition at Lake Erie. Let me just say that this is the last thing he would choose to spend his day and money on. He probably had a dozen other activities he could think of that would be more fun to him, and more worth the money, in HIS eyes. But he wasn't out to please himself. I love to fish, and he was out to prove his love to me. We spent the entire day out on the windy waters of Lake Erie, and did not catch a single fish. He didn't complain once. He had every opportunity to say "I knew this would be a waste" or "I can't believe I spent all that money, and got a sitter, just to come out here and freeze."  Nope, we spent the day chatting, making jokes, and enjoying each others company. Do you understand what that day meant to me? It meant that he is still so in love that he would give up his most valuable assets, his time and money, to make me happy.

  What can you do today to prove your love for your spouse? Can you do the one chore that drives you nuts, all week? Can you smile through an entire game, concert, movie that you can't stand, to show them your love? Try it, and if they don't seem to notice, don't worry. They will eventually figure it out, and look forward to returning the favor.

  When we returned from Lake Erie, the next day I scheduled a tee time for Justin, as a thank you.

As you decide to sacrifice for your spouse this week, do it with a smile, and enjoy the rewards!