I was talking to a man the other day at the senior living center who told me that this year he and his wife would have celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary.  He spoke of the wonderful times they enjoyed together throughout the years.  He said the secret to a long marriage was two simple words… “Yes dear.”  We both laughed and then he went on to say the secret was really three words…  “I love you.”   I have visited with widows, widowers and various couples at the center who all speak to the importance and significance of those words.  All of them have born witness to the fact that loving one another through good times and bad times is the key to a successful and happy marriage.  When talking with those who may be reflecting on the love of a spouse who has already passed or when visiting with those whose spouse is still by their side, I am reminded of the great truth of 1 Corinthians 13:7

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.