Professionals At Anything Train, And Train, And Train Some More
By Jay and Laura Laffoon.
Authors of He Said, She Said: Eight Powerful Phrases That Will Strengthen Your Marriage.
Most of us are painfully aware of the news that Al & Tipper Gore are divorcing after 40+ years of marriage. There is much speculation about the reasons behind the breakup and the fallout that will occur. In our opinion the bottom line is they quit WORKING on their marriage. If you stop working on your marriage, your marriage will stop working for you.
We just returned from a weekend in Charlotte, NC where we had the privilege to spend some time with John and Laura Kasay. John is the place kicker for the NFL's Carolina Panthers and has been one of the most consistent kickers in the league over his 20 year career. Because of his consistency and longevity there is little doubt John will be a Hall of Famer.
Do you want to know something interesting? Come the end of July, John will be heading to TRAINING CAMP. That's right, weeks of nothing but eating and sleeping football. Weeks of drill after drill, weeks of focusing on the fundamentals, and even though John is a 20 year veteran he will go back and focus on those fundamentals. Why? Because it's what is needed to be successful!
The same thing is true in many aspects of life. All professionals have to keep up with their training. Educator's have to get CEU's (Continuing Education Units). Most teachers have to continue to take graduate level classes. Even our driver's license has to be renewed every few years.
So why then do most people think that marriage is different? Why do people think once they stand at the altar and say "I do" that their marriage will magically WORK?
We believe there are many reasons:
· Our culture perpetuates the lie that romance just naturally occurs in daily life.
· Our culture perpetuates the lie that men and women will naturally meet each other's needs.
· Our culture perpetuates the lie that when you are tired of this spouse you can "turn the page" and have a new spouse.
· Our culture perpetuates the lie that marriage education is dull and uninteresting.
· And sadly our Churches fail to make marriage a priority.
We challenge couples continuously. You need to "GET AWAY AND GET AHEAD".
Couples who make time to get away from the kids, the job and all that life throws at them are happier, healthier, have a better sex life, and are more contented with life, than those who don't.
So when was the last time you got away for a marriage training camp? Unlike our friend, John, it DOESN'T have to be drill after drill. It could simply be a romantic weekend away together. Or go to a marriage conference of your choice.
Maybe you can't afford to get away right now. Start by reading a book on marriage or go online and read some articles. Your marriage needs work.
OUR marriage needs work if it's going to stay healthy and growing for years to come. Let's do the work and remember to focus on the fundamentals!
So how's your marriage gonna end up? ... Another Al & Tipper or a Hall of Famer?
Blessings
Jay and Laura Laffoon
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