Marriage is often compared to a journey or lifelong adventure. Jake Samour, the director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life, reflects on this metaphor, likening marriage to a traverse – the grandest of all traverses. He posits that this comparison raises questions about direction, leadership, resources, and essentials needed for a successful marriage.

Samour emphasizes that the ultimate destination in marriage is heaven, a union with God. Achieving this requires a shared vision of a fulfilling partnership rooted in holiness, mutual support, and shared dreams. "It is about building a life that both spouses can look back on with confidence and joy," he notes.

Just as any traverse demands diverse skills such as uphill and downhill abilities along with cross-country expertise, so does marriage require strong skills from both partners. Effective communication, trust, cooperation, and mutual respect are crucial for navigating the complexities of married life. Each spouse brings unique strengths to the relationship; together they navigate its challenges.

The path of marriage is rarely straightforward or smooth. It involves twists and turns requiring couples to have a well-thought-out plan that includes setting goals and making sacrifices while adjusting to new circumstances. Flexibility and adaptability are key as family life evolves with children and other changes.

Essential resources for a successful marriage include communication skills, emotional support, conflict resolution strategies, shared values particularly in raising children, quality time investment in the relationship, and steadfast commitment during challenging times.

Within this indissoluble commitment lies conjugal love – more than an emotional or physical connection but also reflecting Christ's love for his church. According to Samour: "God’s grace transforms human love into a powerful reflection of Christ’s unwavering sacrificial love."

Christ assists couples throughout their lives by providing grace which helps them express affection frequently forgive one another bear burdens together maintain strong emotional connections while giving patience understanding during difficult moments.

For those seeking to excel in their marriages Samour invites them this fall to participate in “Gear for the Traverse” Adventures in Marriage event scheduled on Saturday Sept 14 at St Vincent de Paul Parish Andover from 8 am -2 pm where they can learn more about their particular traverse equip themselves with what God offers preparing not only for successful marriages but lifelong journeys filled with joy peace love amid trials unforeseen circumstances

To register visit https://buytickets.at/marriageandfamilylife/1169210 For more information call 316-685-5240 or email [email protected]

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