This past Sunday evening, Tom and I finished the book, Tying the Knot Tighter, by Martha Peace and John Crotts. We have been reading a chapter a week on Sunday afternoons when we arrive home from church . Some weeks went by without reading, especially when company visited, but for the most part we were able to be consistent. Every chapter concludes with questions for the wife and husband to openly discuss. I can not say that each week was pleasant. With a chapter entitled, "The Wife Sets the Tone in the Home," you know some of the discussion is going to sting. But we made a pack on the first week- we would not use the time as a venting session and we would remember that we both have each others good-will at heart. What wife can be offended when she has a husband like mine who is continually telling her how much he loves and appreciates her?
I have learned many new things about my husband in the past few months. With the constant changes that take place in our lives and family, a natural consequence will be changes in our marriage too. We have grown together through the reading of this book and have resolved to repair the areas that need fixing.

A Bridge Instead of a Wall

They say a wife and husband bit by bit,

Can rear between their lives a mighty wall,

So thick they can not talk with ease through it,

Nor can they see across, it stands so tall!

Its nearness frightens them but each alone

Is powerless to tear its bulk away,

And each, dejected, wishes he had known

For such a wall, some magic thing to say.

So let us build with master art, my dear,

A bridge of faith between you life and mine,

A bridge of tenderness and very near

A bridge of understanding, strong and fine-

Till we have formed so many lovely ties

There never will be room for walls to rise!

Author Unknown