Perhaps the “edge” you’re referring to is the edge of the balcony at Overlake Christian Church? The view of the upcoming Natalie Grant concert would be good there, and the environment inspirational for any couple wanting to observe things from the edge. Hope you can come.

http://livingpurpose.wordpress.com/2008/03/05/natalie-grant-jimmy-needham-and-jesse-butterworth-concert-at-overlake-christian-church/

Take care,

Greg

Glad you mentioned humor – Susan & I also have the rule that we never joke about something which may have serious undertones.

Thanks Greg for all your encouragement! I look forward to dueling blogs!

In our home, we’re striving for zero-tolerance of comments that are in any way disrepectful or harmful. When it happens, we directly and immediately point it out, listen and learn, the proceed to chase it out of our relationship as if it will destroy it. And, in my own experience, I can assure you that harmful remarks, no matter how humorous or candy-coated, can and will destroy the fabric of a relationship.

So, rather than just striving to “do no harm”, how about “continually lift up your partner in praise and prayer.” Or, “love, honor, and respect each other at all times.” Anyway, some goal like that seems lofty, but seriously, it seems that actively practicing it – talking about it – makes it a shared vision, goal, and daily mantra. And when we agree on this, it’s easy for one of us to correct the other, since we agree on our vision. We expect to be corrected, and try (as hard as it may be) to welcome it.

In my case, I tend to make jokes that go over the line. In Li’s case, well, I guess she does the same. And if one thinks about it, jokes are really truthful statements in disguise as jokes anyway. So, forget the idea that humor is a good cover for honest and heartfelt discussion. Humor is often misunderstood, or worse, it’s very well understood for exactly what it is.

So what kind of vision do we have for our relationships? Couples can truly decide to reach for the sky, and get there – but it requires a shared vision. Dare to dream, and build a vision of a perfect marriage. Talk about it every day. Pray about it. Have faith. And, watch it unfold.