Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Ecclesiastes 4:9

Few would argue the merits of attending conferences for professional development or some other personal  improvement.  The fact my wife and I will be attending our 11th FamilyLife Weekend To Remember Marriage Conference in Newport, Rhode Island in early April, however, may strike a different response. In our “modern” culture, little encouragement can be found regarding the institution of marriage.  In fact, in far too many places, there is a heavy bent on twisting, mocking, and redefining the traditional idea of marriage.

We frequent FamilyLife marriage conferences so often because we are reminded of what marriage is from a godly perspective.  To review that Cynthia and I are different by divine design and made to complement rather than compete with each other always brings us lively hope.  We get to confirm we are not enemies but God’s frontline connection (in His order) to live and positively affect other people’s lives, especially in our own blended family.

Every conference we’ve attended has selected couples or an individual who make presentations over the weekend.  They effectively share their life’s journey, including major struggles in their resolve to make it in their respective marriages. Their testimonies of daunting challenges always encourage us deeply and brings a comforting reality that we’re in this battle together.  At some level, it seems like we’re marital rookies in awe of proven veterans.  The speakers, however, never come to hover above us in some majestic lecturing pattern, but to gently land down beside us to reveal their desire to help, develop and inspire us.

In these gatherings, we witness that it doesn’t matter if people were there who had been married for fifty years without a fight or were married for fifteen minutes of all out war.  The firm belief is — Marriage is God’s idea, and His promise is to provide the provision to go along with it.  In the struggle of the marital union is where God’s beautiful friction for learning and growth resides.  The key is not to quit.  We learn anew that God radically loves us, generously forgives us, and enthusiastically encourages us.

Family and friends, we have nothing against attending conferences for professional development or other personal improvements.  Our purpose here in today’s message is to promote a weekend environment where living, laughing, loving and learning about marriage from God’s point of view is the focus.

We know that as a couple, Cynthia and I still have a long way to go.  It’s when our children, spouses, and twelve grandchildren come to mind, that a godly resolve to continue activates.  We’re grateful to FamilyLife’s Ministry and their Marriage Conferences that provide help for today and hope for  tomorrow.  Our 11th conference can’t come soon enough!

Gen 1-3; Eph 4-6; 1 Cor 13; Col 3: 12-17