I had never before seen the gentleman who uttered these words. He was in a wheel chair so I yielded to him as we entered the men’s room at the Sugarlands Visitor’s Center near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Just outside the door his wife was talking with another lady about his physical condition and their vacation, perhaps their last. As he came out, the lady said, “Mr. Jones, I sure hope you have a good vacation.” In a somewhat labored but very discernible voice he said, “Every day is a vacation with her!” How thoughtful and sweet! The smile on his wife’s face betrayed her gratitude for the compliment.

If more husbands and wives spent more time saying such things to each other, fewer marriages would end in divorce. Selfishness is a stake driven into the heart of many marriages. Yet, here was a gentleman who may have had reason to feel sorry for himself, doing his best to make his wife feel better. I’m convinced this is a part of what the Good Book means when it states, “Husbands, love your wives . . .” (Ephesians 5:25).

Marriage, home, and family are important parts of God’s plan for the human race. Not only did God institute marriage, He regulates it through His Word (see Genesis 2:15-25; Matthew 19:3-9; Colossians 3:18-21). The Bible is still the best “Marriage Manual.” While there are many ingredients in God’s recipe for a good marriage, the “three C’s” are crucially important.

Commitment. Webster defines “commitment” as “an agreement or pledge to do something in the future.” When a man and a woman pledge their love and loyalty to one another they become obligated to each other. Some who say, “I do,” don’t! Commitment must be taken seriously. No marriage can succeed without it.

Companionship. Spending time together is critical. “Fellowship” (which Webster gives as a synonym for “companionship”) is as important in the home as in the church. It gives strength and encouragement. Serious problems are not as likely if a husband and wife work hard at developing companionship.

Communication. It isn’t enough just to be together, however. That togetherness must include communication. All members of a family need to know they are loved, respected, and appreciated.

All of us need to need to occasionally hear, “Every day is a vacation with her (him)!”

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