Prayer Part Eight

We've heard it before.

Behind every good man is a good woman.

Isn't this good woman gorgeous?
She happens to be engaged to be married this summer.

She happens to have made a good life for herself on the East Coast working as a NICU nurse.

She also happens to be my baby sister.

Sniff sniff.

I left the house having just turned 18 and she was just beginning kindergarten.

Now look at her.

She's happy. She has found a good man.

And he adores her.
Can you tell?

It's wonderful to have these images that capture the joy and devotion of a couple.

There's a lot behind photos though.

I think so much of a good relationship is hidden, its what we never see. And it is sometimes really simple things that give it a boost.

Its the quick words of encouragement, the affirmative nod, the quick kiss, the "how was your day?" greeting, and the quiet personal times of prayer that hold up the other to the Father.

There is a lot of comfort and confidence that exists when you know someone approves of and wants you to succeed. It is motivating and inspiring. Things just get done when you know you have support.

And not just the rah rah cheerleader kind of support. But sincere words and genuine actions that show someone you believe in them, you trust them, you are willing to put your life in their hands. What we do as spouses to hold marriage as the greatest of priorities is a delicate and precious thing. It requires care. And it helps if you let him know you trust him to care for the relationship and the family as he can and to hope he can do it better and better with each passing year.

Honey, I'm behind you. I'm for you.

Help him to know that I believe in him, trust his decisions
for the family, and am proud of what he is able to
accomplish at (in his) work.

P.S. In case you are wondering...these engagement photos were taken by a family friend and professional photographer, Gosia, whose work you can see here.

She is from Poland, talented, super funny, will travel over 1500 miles to shoot a wedding and speaks the King's English better than me.

And that's another sister of mine on her home page.