Not all leaders think about wisdom as a character trait that needs to be carefully cultivated. Of course, we would quickly agree that wisdom is more valuable than money or status. At least we would agree with that statement intellectually. But how many of us pursue wisdom with the same vigor with which we pursue wealth? How many of us cultivate wisdom with the same passion we use to cultivate our stock portfolio? Somehow we believe that wisdom just comes by itself. Certainly, wisdom can and often is the end result of long experience in the leader’s field of expertise. But the leader who gains wisdom by making poor decisions and learning from them is much farther behind than the leader who seeks the right kind of wisdom from the start.
Kenneth Boa

First Love

In 2 months, I will have been married for 32 years. My wife and I are so much in love that we celebrate our marriage every month, instead of just once per year. I still often cook and bring her a nice breakfast to wake her up on weekends. I miss her when she’s away. We like to be close. I admire her skills, priorities, love for God, and love for others. She’s a great mother to our kids. I respect and trust her – I adore her.

The Bible explains that marriage is significant to God because it is part of His plan to provide the world with a picture of His love for men and women. God refers to himself as “the bridegroom” and his church as “the bride”. He is looking for a deep, committed relationship with us.

What is the most beautiful love story you have ever experienced or known about?

Perhaps some of the features of that story included:
– thinking about the other person A LOT, with a smile and happiness
– wanting to find ways to make that person happy, so they know you love them
– wanting to protect that person from trouble and hurt
– imagining that person would be the ONLY one for you, for the rest of life
– an insatiable craving to be with that person constantly

After being married for a while, it’s normal for some of the infatuation of the relationship to wear off. Little things like snoring, bad morning breath, leaving messes around the house, and misplaced priorities can creep in. The puppy love seems to be gone. You know you want to get back to your First Love.

Here’s a good reminder:
“I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. REMEMBER then from what you have fallen, repent and do the works you did at first.” – Revelation 2:3-5

REMEMBER the things you did at first, when you were falling in love – and do those things and more – both in marriage and with God.

“God and marriage – a three-strand cord is not easily broken” is a saying my wife has. This has been proven to be true in our lives.

“We love, because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19