Joan & I are going to conduct a marriage seminar in Melbourne next weekend (7th-10th Aug 09). I was reluctant about this at first not feeling like we have anywhere near enough expertise in such a complex area. It was the fact that we are celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary in just a couple of weeks that finally convinced me that maybe we do have something helpful to share. Our 45 years have not been all plain sailing but I can honestly say that I do not regret a moment of it and am a great fan of marriage as the God-ordained plan for family life. At the same time the pain of marriage break down has come to those closest to us so we feel very much with those who are in the midst of such anguish. In doing some research I discovered some sobering facts. Do you realise that the median time for divorce (USA) is after only 4.5 years of marriage? i was shocked but then encouraged by the fact that the longer a couple stay married the further rate of divorce declines. If a couple just stays with it in the tough times they become increasingly likely to remain married for life. So i reckon we’ll stick with it and keep enjoying the journey!