As fall approaches, my mind turns to traveling to the mountains.  Although we have more beauty in our own state than our eyes and minds could ever completely take in, there is something special about taking a trip in autumn.  

The Smoky Mountains still reign as one of my favorite destinations.  Not only are the colors vivid, but also it’s simply a fun place to go.  Steve and I enjoy the shows, the shops and the restaurants.  This is one of those “get-a-ways” that also begs traveling companions, and often we have a slew of them.

Perhaps another reason this is a favorite spot for us is the wonderful memories associated with Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.  Steve and I have conducted many marriage retreats there.  One thing we stress to couples is the importance of taking time to get away from children and normal responsibilities to focus on each other.  
At these events we try to include getting-to-know-you activities for the assembly, as well as activities which stress the importance of affirming each other.  Many of these groups form a lasting bond with each other, as well as a litany of humorous happenings from these weekends.

During one of these enrichment weekends, we explained the importance of not only affirming your marriage partner in private, but also how essential it is to hear your partner say nice things about you publicly.  We then told the participants to, in turn, tell the group one thing they really appreciated or admired about their mate.  Wonderful romantic tributes came from most, but let’s face it, not all are gifted with silver-tongued eloquence.  One such guy was very practical and worked hard at his plant job and also maintained a well-manicured farm.  When his turn came, after much deliberate thought, he said the nicest thing about his wife he could think of.  “Well, well, Linda’s just plain handy (not her real name).”  His wife firmly nudged him with her elbow while the rest of us chuckled.  He really didn’t need to explain because we knew he meant this as high praise, but he did anyway.  “What I mean is she always brings me just what I need when I’m in the field.  She’ll bring me some cold water or something to eat.  Sometimes she even goes to town and picks up a tractor part for me.”  Even if his remark didn’t seem romantic on the surface, we caught the gist of his intentions.  He was saying his wife was truly his helpmate.

On another such weekend, as an icebreaker, we asked couples to think of a hymn title that best described their love life at this stage of their marriage.  We got many answers – some warm and loving and some simply humorous.  One woman replied, “The Longer I Serve Him, the Sweeter He Grows.”  Another couple winked at each other and answered “Precious Memories.”

Perhaps this fall, you can focus on enriching your own marriage.  Here are a few basics to apply:

1. Put God at the top of your priority list.
2. Affirm each other daily.
3. Keep your eyes wide open to the good qualities of your mate and half closed to the negatives.
4. Do unto the other as you would have him/her do unto you.
5. Communicate with each other about the small things, as well as the big things.
6. Demonstrate not just “I love you because ---,” but also “I love you in spite of ---.”
7. Learn to laugh together and pray together every day.
8. Take time for each other – take walks, go on dates, or take a weekend away together.  Remember, one of the best gifts you can offer your children is a happy mother
9. and daddy and a happy home.  “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”