If there’s one thing you learn at a marriage retreat, it is that you don’t generally identify the particular struggles of married people until you get them alone. I mean, it’s not usually in the big sessions or lectures that people open up and ask for help with lost trust, in-law problems, financial mismanagement, or failed leadership. It’s in the private conversations. It’s over the lunch table or in the living room of your hotel suite or on a ride back to an airport. And every effort is made to keep those resources available and find other resources that can help even after the retreat is over. I know Glenn and I are in touch with several couples, in varying capacities, even after we return home. And we pray. We pray for all those who attended (including the Colleys) as we work to try to be stronger in our holy unions before Him and for His glory.
But that doesn’t mean the big sessions are not helping. In fact, I believe almost every conceivable problem found the beginnings of solutions and paths to resolve in the lessons presented to the large groups in these two wonderful retreats. I believe the speakers did much good and I am positive that there were some at both retreats who left with hope–a hope not present when they arrived.
I pray that, even now, you will resolve, if you have not attended one of these, that next year will be your year. You have 12 months to save the money, the time off and arrange the baby-sitting for your presence next year at one of the most restful, yet exhilarating events that will ever bless your marriage. From your marriage comes your own happiness in this life and your joint legacy. From your obedience in marriage comes your best security of eternity together. Happiness, legacy and eternity were all themes of the retreats this year.
You can purchase all the lessons on a USB drive here: https://smokymountainmarriage.com. and be sure and watch this site for all the details about the two retreats for February of next year!
