You and Me, ForeverSample

Say Something Sweet

Don Wilton wrote, “People give up at times when they feel unappreciated.” 

George and Mary Lou were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Someone asked George, “What is the recipe for a long-lasting and happy marriage?” George explained that after he got married, his parent in-laws gave him a gift. The gift was a gold watch that was still worn by George at that time. He showed this watch to the person. A sentence was written on the surface of the watch, “Say something sweet to Mary Lou.” 

It seems that all of us need that kind of watch. 

In his book, Blink, Malcolm Gladwell wrote about a relationship and friendship expert who could estimate the success potential of a married couple. He stated that the success of the marriage is determined by the interaction and communication between each other. What sign did he see that a marriage could experience a problem? Words that do not edify each other. 

If someone treats his partner with negative words, their relationship will usually fail. To be valued, you need to know how to value other people. To be respected, you need to sincerely respect others. When we look down on someone, we see him as a victim and not a person.

How is our communication in the family, be it in the relationship between husband and wife or with our children? Let us build a family filled with constructive words that build and strengthen each other. If we can do this, our family surely will be happier.

Prayer: Lord, teach us how to use our words to edify and strengthen one another. Let our words impart love and new enthusiasm. Amen.