PEP - Article #3 |
Building Marriages
“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” Theodore Hesburgh (www.smartmarriages.com). Perhaps also the reverse is true – the most important thing a mother can do for her children is to respect their father, as wives are instructed to do in Ephesians 5:33. There is little doubt that the strength of a marriage will have a significant impact, for good or ill, on the children within that home.
As we focus on parenting, and try to be the best mothers and fathers we can be, let us not forget that parenting begins with marriage. So often, in the busy-ness of life, and the demands of children’s needs, wants and activities, we can forget to prioritize our marriage relationship. Marriage is hard work at times, particularly as the early years pass and the first flush of romance wears off. It takes commitment and skill to build a satisfying relationship that will weather the storms of life and the passing of time.
Brian and I have been married now for 24 years, and last year we had the opportunity to participate in a marriage enrichment course called ‘The Marriage Course’. Originating in Holy Trinity Brompton, this is an excellent 7 session course which helps couples work on their relationship and build skills for healthy relating. We found it both challenging and helpful, and we would recommend the course to any married couple at any stage of marriage.
This course has already been running in some parishes around the Diocese for some years, and the Anglican Counselling Service is hoping to work in conjunction with the Diocese and parishes to promote the running of this course further in 2009 and beyond. Let me encourage you to speak to your Vicar about having the course run in your parish, or even becoming a facilitator of the course yourself. It is a very worthwhile investment in your marriage, your parenting and your parish.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child. That may be the case,but the truth is that it takes a lot of solid, stable marriages to create a village.”Diane Sollee, smartmarriages.com In these times of increasing family breakdown, let us be committed to building solid, stable marriages as the foundation upon which we raise our children.
Sharon Kirk
Vice President
MU Diocese of Armidale
(Feb 2009)
posted 10/7/2010
