Two People

The image is seared into my mind, where I will hold it forever.

He was weak. But his footing became more sure when his wife took his hand, twisting her fingers with his.

This, after 38 years of marriage. After kids, houses, jobs and retirement, grandkids. After twenty years with his multiple sclerosis; her surprise double-bypass.

After a recent, incurable cancer diagnosis for him.

`

As I dropped them off for his treatment, when they entered the building before me, they locked hands.

`

In one second, I saw what marriage is.

`

`

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad. I love you so much.

`

And Happy Birthday, too, Mom. You're an inspiration.

The Marriage Project by Kathi Lipp

10.5 years in, my husband and I are still figuring marriage out.

A full decade.

So, when given the chance to obtain a copy of The Marriage Project, I thought 21 days to more love and laughter might be something I could get along with.

And you know what? Despite the very second my daughter opened it to the title page of a sex chapter, what with that random precision kids have, I did.

This book is cute. Its cover is trendy and appealing; its size comfy and easy to handle. The cartoon hubby? Bow chicka wow wow. For, you know, a drawn man.

But that's just icing, so let's talk about what's inside the covers.

What's presented in a smooth format is like The Love Dare (which challenges a spouse through solitary exercises), but for couples. Together you agree to complete three weeks' worth of daily projects, like offering one another breaks from responsibility and leaving thoughtful presents, to romantic dates out and, ahem, bow chicka wow wow.

Some of author Kathi Lipp's intents for you and your husband or wife are:

• seeing your spouse through new eyes


• finding new levels of warmth and tenderness in your relationship


• implementing ideas to bring fun and flirting back to your marriage


• learning to let God use you in your union as He intended

The book and each of its project sections is a quick read, presented in a friendly, casual voice. Kathi Lipp, both a writer and public speaker, offers real insight, comments from past participants, and personal anecdotes that make the tasks-at-hand easier to wrap around.

This book would be perfect for a husband and wife looking for redirection, or a little lift in their marriage, and it's ideal for church or women's groups. My suggestion? Gift The Marriage Project to newlyweds.

(This title alone shouldn't, however, be used as council for those with serious marital issues. In those heavy-weighted circumstances, licensed professionals and/or clergy should be consulted.)

As for my husband and me? On to the next decade. (And the book's going with us.)

*Please note: My review of The Marriage Project is in exchange for the copy I received from Harvest House Publishers.
**Best wishes to Kathi Lipp with this and all her endeavors! Visit her website, KathyLipp.com.

***PS. It was the daughter who can't read yet, but I still froze in terror...

10 Years

Today, but it was ten years ago. The weather was warm, the strong wind a relief. Anticipation flew on that wind, high above the beauty, lighting each place it pleased.

What we knew was, family and friends, some we'd not seen in months, years, would descend, observe, feast. Emotion would run high, celebration would commence. Our intention carried the day.

What we didn't know, the years ahead and all they would hold. Argument and misunderstanding, sorrow and mistakes. Doubt and a will to give up, days it didn't make sense.

But there's more.

Love, laughter, shared blessings no one knows but we two. And babies, precious babies. Learning you can communicate, that maybe you're together for a reason bigger than comprehension. Different people, different personalities. You can be that person to one another.

Ten years ago today, when I married him, I didn't know how difficult a journey it would be. I may have thought twice, three times, had I.

Nor did I know the struggles would make us stronger, help us build a better team, a better family. And that today, a decade after, I'd be thankful I stuck around, loving him more, loving him better.