by Dan & Pat Van Vleck
This concept was a huge take-away for us on our Weekend. It helped us realize that other people were paying attention to how we acted, as a couple. We are pretty confident in believing that each of you has witnessed another couple who seemed to have it all going for them, and thought, as our pastor says, “I want to get me some of that!” We may not realize it, but there are others who observe our marriage, and our marriage has an impact on others. Several years after our Weekend, attending worship one Sunday, we were not seated side by side in our usual seat in the balcony. Pat was seated down in front, and Dan was seated off to the side. We later heard from a friend that people had noticed, had asked them if we were okay. Our marriage impacts other marriages. It also impacts individuals.
We used to serve backstage during our daughter’s musicals. One afternoon, one of the student-actors commented to Pat that she thought it was cool the way we served together, as a couple, and hoped to one day have a similar kind of marriage relationship. Because we have a stake in each other’s marriages, we have the responsibility to support marriages around us.
At times, we may not give off that “Wanna get me some of that” image. We were once in Core with a couple who we looked up to as an example of a great marriage. When they shared they were struggling, we were given the opportunity to support them with prayer and encouragement.
You never know who is noticing, or who will be impacted by your couple relationship, positively, or negatively. Each of us has learned valuable tools on our Weekend, tools to be better couples with stronger marriages. One of the best things we can do is shine our couple light to those around us. Make them wonder what we’ve got. When we give our best as a couple, we glorify the Lord. Go out into the world and let your couple light shine!
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”.
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
Peace, love and joy,
Dan & Pat
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