Loving for LIfe

If the words 'Marriage Preparation' have you running for the hills, then let me encourage you to reconsider. One of the best ways to make sure someone doesn’t fall at the first fence in any walk of life is to train and prepare for it - to sit and think about worse possible scenarios while they are only hypothetical, and plan how you might deal with that situation.

This year the Mother’s Union have introduced a new marriage preparation course called ‘Loving for Life’ and are offering it (and themselves) as a resource for clergy.

So if your Vicar is rushing about looking after several churches and hasn't brought up the subject of marriage prep, it could be simply because he or she is simply just too stretched. In which case, then why not ask if you might explore what the MU have to offer.

I love this organisation. They are the unsung heroes in your community and spend time alternating between political lobbying (who do you think fought for flexible working hours for parents?)and practical help - like making up Goody Bags for Fresher Students who have just left home for the first time...

But supporting marriage has always been their brief and certainly in Manchester I'm pleased to say that you'll find Mothers Union members alongside Clergy on the Wedding Show stands giving out literature and helpful advice for making love last.

For those of you who are married – I wonder how many years you have clocked up and what kind of marriage prep you were offered before the Big Day?

My husband Garry & I still have very clear memories of ours:
The Vicar glared at Garry and said “ You - No Charging in like a Bull in a China Shop”. He then turned to me and shouted “And you - no freezing up on him”

Then he wagged his finger at both of us and said “One final thing, None of this ‘His & Hers’ Towels malarky, you share everything. Right – off you go!

Not the most inspiring of Wedding Preparation as I’m sure you’ll agree... We didn't even get to finish our tea!

33 years later I still object when Garry uses my toothbrush but apart from that I think we’ve followed the Vicar’s advice!

But I'm planning to get a copy of the new course from my local MU branch and have a read. There is always something new to learn and even the best relationships need a gentle nudge occasionally. If you're planning to be in it for life you might as well be Loving for Life.

I'll let you know how it goes...
j x