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My husband and I went to an International Marriage Conference in Orlando in July 2007. I must say, when we first got there, we thought it was an AARP (Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons). Everyone we saw was over 50. The number was staggering as to how many older couples were there compared to younger. I was feeling as though I was missing something. Okay, yes, it was people like me. African American couples in the early forties. We met some young people but it was more like 5%. I was astounded, yet surprised that there were so many older couples. Haven’t they gotten marriage down by now? Haven’t they gotten pass all the struggles marriage face? Shouldn’t they be coasting into “Happily Ever After” at this point? Trust me, I am not making fun of them. I think they were teaching me which I am sharing with you that marriage is a continuing journey and you never reach a point that you don’t seek help/information. It was absolutely wonderful to see them as much in love with one another as Lewis and I are. They were taking notes, asking questions, holding hands, and truly enjoying themselves at this conference. And majority of them told me they attend monthly marriage enrichment groups. How come there were very few (approximately 10%) under 50? Are young couples so much wiser than older couples that we already know how to have great marriages? Absolutely not! The anniversary of the terrorist attack on the U.S. is coming up on September 11th. The terrorist attack on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon was a one time event; however, six years later we are still fighting to defend our country, to get us back to a level of security, and to live in a world full of peace. However, we are blinded to the fact that marriages have and will always be under attack by the enemy. There is a force that is trying to steal – marriages feeling there is no hope; kill – the intimacy, love and commitment a couple had at the beginning of their union; and destroy – marriages ending in divorce [The enemy comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10)] How do we fight and counterattack his attempts? We arm ourselves with knowledge: attending marriage conferences, marriage enrichment groups, reading marriage books/magazines and using other marriage resources. Whether you are just starting your journey or you’ve been on it for some time, it is always wise to seek knowledge. Some of those couples had been married for over 30+ years. Maybe their success is due to them investing time and gaining knowledge to have a great marriage. Words from the wise: Continue to seek wisdom and knowledge and understanding. Keep on working at your marriage. Keep the lines of communication open with your spouse. And stay prayerful against the attacks on your marriage, which are guaranteed to come. © by Jewell R. Powell, author of award winning book “Marriage101: Building a Life Together by Faith.” Visit us at www.marriage101.us Visit us for marriage help at marriage101.us
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