On a personal note, my grandfather passed away this past week at the age of 93. He was one of the best people to live on this earth and I am a better man today because of his influence. While he will be missed, his influence will live on for many years to come.

I had the chance many years ago to tell him about the role he played in my life. If you have someone that has impacted you greatly, take the time to tell them. I am grateful that there is no unfinished business between my grandfather and I. It helped make his passing a celebration of his life rather than a mourning his death.

Life is short, make the most of it.

 

 

Essential Rules for Traveling Light in Marriage

1. Take only what you can carry with you. How much stuff do we carry from our past that is either unnecessary or gets in the way of the present? Spend some time dealing with your own baggage in order to limit the amount of weight your partner will have to help you with.
2. Carry baby wipes. Traveling is messy. So is marriage. And life. Ask for forgiveness. Clean yourself up by dealing with your own mess and take responsibility for the outcomes. Baby wipes are great for wiping the slate clean. So is forgiveness.
3. Use ziploc bags. If you travel through an airport, these are essential. They can only carry a few items, usually the important items. We carried our son’s medication for his ears in ziplocs. For a relationship, a ziploc can store the important items and keep them in the open. The love you have for each other. Respect. Humor. Family. Whatever is most important. Keep it in the open.
4. Don’t over plan. We carry too many expectations into marriage. So much so that we will often miss the present because we are caught up in other places we want to see. If you are traveling for vacation, over planning creates the need for relaxation after you return from your trip. Isn’t that what the trip was for in the first place? Learn to relax and savor the time together (see next point).
5. Incorporate time to relax/nap each day. Since I have small children, one of my favorite times of the day is the afternoon nap time. This is either time for me to relax, write, watch a movie or do something for myself. When I’m with my wife, it’s time to sit together, take a nap together, or try some other things. You get the idea.
6. Take only a few changes of clothes. Let’s face it, we really only wear a few outfits anyway. Usually the most comfortable ones. Our marriage is often where we can be most comfortable. Learning to be comfortable with your spouse provides a way for you to try on new things (see next point).
7. Go native. Be adventurous, take a risk, eat native food, role play with your spouse. Be willing to be a little uncomfortable at times in order to grow closer to your spouse. You don’t have to try everything the native culture provides, but being willing to try on one or two things could go a long way to spicing things up in your marriage.
8. Keep your ID handy and in a safe place. It is easy to lose yourself in marriage. To lose sight of your own dreams and desires. Be willing to follow your own course at times. Seek your own dreams and desires. This will allow for you to grow, which will benefit the marriage.