Katherine and Marvin Kehler have been married for over 46 years now, living & sleeping beneath the same roof, sharing meals together, working, playing, praying and traveling during this stretch of time.
Katherine's husband is often called away on travel, perhaps a good thirty percent of each year.
During these long, lonely hours away from home, Marvin makes a point to call her often, in the evenings, when their bed is cold, his voice curving her lips into a smile.
Katherine is still convinced, 46 years into their marriage, that he has the most beautiful smile in the whole world. She loves his calm, gentle voice and his warm, friendly eyes.
He always assures her of his love, frequently saying the words most men find difficult to say, "I love you" and "You're beautiful", showering her with kisses and hugs, wrapping her in adoring affection.
In the evenings, because he knows she likes to take baths, she will come home to find a hot fragrant bath, the room cozy and warm.
Often he will bring her flowers, "Just because" and still makes a point to open doors for her.
When they're together in a group meeting, he warms her heart with a flirty wink. It makes her feel young, like a teenager again.
Their love thrives and grows as they work at pleasing each other, rather than selfishly insisting only having their own needs met.
Katherine shows her love for her husband by cooking his favorite meals. He basks in her thoughtfulness, especially after being on the road and eating restaurant food most of the time.
She cleans and presses his shirt and pants so that he's ready to meet anyone at a moment's notice.
She takes care of the housekeeping, so that when he's home he can just relax after being on the road for hours on end.
She makes a point to let him know what she thinks of him, murmuring in his ear as she gives him a hug, that he's handsome and sharp.
On slow, quiet evenings together as they watch TV, Katherine rests her head in his lap; completely comfortable with the wonderful husband God had given her.
There are times of laughter as well. Times when Marvin is stretched out on the sofa and she just can't resist reaching out to tickle his feet in passing.
They make sure to show affection in public as well, a nurturing touch or gentle squeeze on the arm that communicates, " I love you", without either of them saying a word.
They make a point to include God in their marriage, discussing together over breakfast, what they had been given in Scripture for the day and taking a moment, before giving in to the rat race of the world, to share in prayer.
They realize that romance doesn't start in the bedroom but in the every day exchange of their lives from the way they greet one another in the morning to how they interact and treat each other throughout the day. They have found that in being affectionate and saying kind words that build each other up, it is only natural that when they retire for the evening, that they desire to cuddle.
Perhaps in trying these tips, they've put to the task and found useful, we too can use this recipe to strengthen our marriages and to grow old and gray with our spouses.
Article by-Jorene Haight
