Marriage Course - August 20, 2012

Day 4 - The Third and Fourth Seasons of Marriage - Autumn and Winter

Autumn
• season of richness and maturity-reaping
• the benefits of what has gone before
• marriage more established having weathered tough times
• may be teenagers in the house
• emotionally the most exhausting stage of parenting
• the greatest need is to support and encourage each other

Winter
• empty-nest stage for many
• probably fewer demands with an opportunity for more time together
• can be the most exciting stage of marriage
• the greatest needs are shared interests and good communication

Question:Reflect on what you've heard so far. If you are in one of these seasons, talk together about the pressures you've worked through until now in your relationship, and the pressures you're currently facing. If you’re not here yet, what do you think it will be like?

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From Series: "Marriage"

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  • we can become highly selective in our listening
  • most of us take listening for granted, yet it is possible to close OUR ears
  • listening has the power to make our husband or wife feel loved and valued
  • one of the most important skills to learn for a strong marriage
  • the Bible places great value on listening effectively

How do you feel when you are listened to?  How do you feel when you are not listened to?  To whom would you go if you needed a listening ear? What makes that person a good listener?