A New Year's Day Reflection

For many people New Years Day is a time to begin anew. A time to break that bad habit or to start a new good habit. But when I think of New Years Day, I think about Marriage. For you see it was 36 years ago on a frigid New Years Day that Beckie and I were married. Two 19 year olds starting a new life together with so many obstacles to overcome, that they are too many to mention! But the main part of my message today is that those obstacles can be overcome and turn into a strong marriage. A marriage that continues to be ever changing and ever growing. Not that our marriage is a perfect one, but for a few moments now allow me to share with you from a "Guys" perspective what has helped make our marriage a strong one and one that grows with changing times. First and foremost, we both have a faith in Jesus as our Lord and have allowed that faith to grow & mature over the years. We talk about faith issues and we do not always see things the same, but we respect each other's faith views. Second, guys make your wife feel special with each passing day. Find your own way to do this. One way I do this is by giving Beckie a note each day sharing in it a variety of things. What I share with her is between her and myself! Another thing, go out and eat together or if eating at home sit across from one another and spend that time in conversation about what's going on in life. Two more things guys I have to share. One, find things that you can do together that you both have an interest in and then do those things often together. One thing that Beckie and I enjoy is "Antiquing" and so we make time to do that together. And lastly guys, tell your wife often these three little words, "I Love You". There are too many guys that I know that tell me, "She already knows that, why do I have to tell her?" Why because she needs to and wants to hear you say those words. They are refreshment to her heart! Well that is my few words of wisdom for you all for today. I pray that each and everyone of your marriages grow stronger with each new day and that your relationship with Christ does the same.
    Your Brother in Christ, Pastor Rick Koch - Dutchtown Church