Yes, unfortunately, we have gone through many trials with our health, family, relationship and finances, too, but we had to make a choice. We could either let the problems separate us or allow the problems to draw us closer together. Someone once said, "In marriage, there is a very fine line between love and hate." And it's true! If you choose to be selfish-you'll hate and take. If you choose to be unselfish-you'll love and give.

Every couple that we have met that are deeply in love and have a happy marriage are committed to serve each other not just when the going is good but even more so when the going is tough. Love means forgiving the other person even though they have wronged you. Love means giving in when "self" rises up in retaliation. Love means overlooking each other's faults-even though they seem to be in the spotlight. Love means giving when you know you won't receive anything in return. Love is when you are willing to work out your differences rather than dwell on them. Love is forgiving and forgetting each other's past and the hurts that have occurred in the relationship. Love is picking up the pieces when it seems all has fallen apart. Love is willing to try rather than to give up. Love says, "No matter how tough it gets-we'll hold together!"

Love is willing to learn what it takes to build or rebuild a broken, wounded or scarred relationship. What is real love? Love is more than saying the words "I love you." It is a life commited to God, each other, and a commitment to love, learn and serve till death do thee and me part.