Our Secret Sauce, My Recipe

Our Secret Sauce, My Recipe

I ONCE HAD what the Centers for Disease Control calls a marital disruption. That’s government lingo for a divorce. My first marriage ended after ten years of both of us trying very hard, and even though I was the one who asked for the separation, I was devastated. I had failed myself and had failed him, completely.

As heartbreaking and damaging as this event was to us individually and as a family, life did go on and love would visit me again. But this time I was determined that I would succeed; I would learn from my past failure and do everything within my power to build a relationship that was true, respectful, fulfilling, and enduring.

By the time this book makes it to press, Steve and I will have celebrated nearly twenty years of pure marital bliss. I know it sounds like I’m bragging (or lying)—and I apologize if I come across as boastful—but I think it’s important for you to know that fantastic marriages do exist.

Both men and women have found Steve’s and my relationship unique, and many have expressed great curiosity as to how it is that we’re still on our honeymoon after all these years of working together and raising a blended family. So I thought I’d share with you what we believe are our ingredients for an authentic relationship that lasts—what Steve and I call our secret sauce. And that secret sauce begins with the state of our hearts.

Guard your heart above all else,for it determines the course of your life. (Proverbs 4:23)

As you think about your marriage, be honest with yourself so you can determine the state of your own heart. I am praying for you.