For many years Ed and I taught marriage seminars and classes.  It was our hearts to see marriages flourish and become the dynamic unit is was created to be.  I read something the other day that I found astounding.

.  Children deduce their basic concept of God based upon the image of their own father--the human father is seen as a reflection of the Heavenly Father.

.  Children draw their basic concepts of the Church based upon the example of their own mother--her daily nurturing, teaching, admonishing, and disciplining are internalized by her children as a reflection of the same spiritual qualities provided by the Church.

.  Children draw their understanding of how God relates to the Church--and thus, how God relates to them as members of the Church--by watching how their father relates to their mother and she to him.

Your example of how you treat your spouse is a living parable to your children about how God wants to relate to them!  Are you available to your spouse?  Are you encouraging and supportive?  Are you helpful?

As yourself today, "Do I treat my spouse as I hope the Lord will treat me?"

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