If you’re familiar with Calvin and Hobbes, you know Calvin is a young boy with a hyperactive imagination. Most of the time we see Calvin conversing with Hobbes—a stuffed tiger who comes to life within Calvin’s head. Together, the duo typically investigates the meaning of life.
In one scene, Calvin asks Hobbes what it’s like to fall in love. Keep in mind Calvin is about six-years-old which is why he’s seeking the wisdom from his older, imaginary friend. Thoughtfully, Hobbes responds, “Well . . . say the object of your affection walks by. First, your heart falls into your stomach and splashes your innards. All the moisture makes you sweat profusely.”
Calvin is all ears as the tiger continues. “This condensation shorts the circuits to your brain and you get all woozy. When your brain burns out altogether, your mouth disengages and you babble like a Cretin until she leaves.” At this point Hobbes is rather satisfied with his colorful portrait of romantic attraction. Calvin, 
however, is dumbfounded.
“THAT’S LOVE?!?”
“Medically speaking,” says Hobbes with a sheepish grin. His definition of falling in love is a bit too much for Calvin who must contemplate his companion’s narrative. A moment later, Calvin says, “Heck, that happened to ME once, but I figured it was cooties!!”
I imagine there are times when you’re equally mystified by this thing called love. After all, before you got married, there was a zestiness to love, right? I remember how Jean and I went for long walks, had time for plenty of late night talks, enjoyed doing crazy little things for each other, and shared the anticipation of the day when we’d no longer have to say “Good night” before parting company at the end of a wonderful evening.
I bet you have those memories, too.
However, more often than not, something seems to change after a couple gets married. Those late night conversation-fests become fewer and farther between . . . the ability to enjoy an unhurried, private walk becomes difficult to schedule–especially with kids under foot . . . and that giddy feeling Hobbes described—when your heart falls into your stomach and splashes your innards, making you sweat profusely—rarely happens.
I know it’s tempting to settle into a routine in which you and your spouse drift apart on separate oceans. If that sounds like your situation, I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to stay that way. Please consider joining us February 27, 2010 for our second Focus on MarriageTM Simulcast Conference. Whether you’ve been married just one year or your Silver Anniversary is in sight, our first-class lineup of speakers offer fresh hope and insight into God’s Divine Design for marriage.
Here’s what several have said about last year’s event:
- “Thank you for this event. This has made me grateful for the decision to stay in my marriage when I didn’t want to a while ago.”
- “This simulcast was fantastic! It made me look at my husband of 42 years differently. My goal is to pray together, uplift him and to live the rest of our lives serving the Lord. I will make the 2-degree changes and watch how God will bless our marriage.”
- “Outstanding marriage conference . . . small changes in our marriages can truly make big differences as we put Christ first. Thank you!”
I once told Jean during a particularly difficult time in our marriage, “We can either do marriage one of two ways: happily or unhappily. With all of the stuff that’s gone on in my life, I’d much rather do it happily.” At the time we didn’t have the opportunity to attend something like this. Now we do and I’m looking forward to it.
Here’s a thought. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, why not give each other the gift of making plans to attend. Can you think of a better investment to make in each other? While I’m pretty sure you won’t “babble like a Cretin” after attending the event, I’m confident the conference will give you and your mate a whole new language of love to share for years to come.
Registration is easy and there are hundreds of locations throughout the United States and Canada. See you at the conference!
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