Inspired

Author and speaker, Jon Acuff says that he and his wife, Jenny make it a point to spend time with couples who like each other rather than those who don’t. They are inspired by the affection, playfulness and mutual support of such couples.

Do you spend time with couples who inspire you?

Who are they and how do they inspire you?

(Beware of the isolation caused by a busy life or the social inertia that makes you your only company. That kind of isolation puts too much weight on your relationship.)

We just spent the weekend at the mountain house of a couple who have been friends for over twenty years, so obviously we enjoy them. We are inspired by their hospitality and the ease with which we can be together. There’s no pressure to entertain. We are also inspired by their dedication to one another. It’s not a lopsided relationship that has to focus on only one of them.

Another couple inspires us because of how much they enjoy spending time together, especially taking camping trips around the country. This week they are in northern Minnesota. I check in with them every few days to vicariously enjoy their locations.

One couple amazes us by how well they work together. They took most of a year re-doing a lake home, I mean down to the studs. The wife is now skilled at using every kind of electric tool. Cleaning out a closet together is about the best Libby and I can do. One of us doesn’t have the patience for doing projects together, and you can probably guess which one that is. I get irritable just thinking about Ikea furniture.

Having this conversation inspired us. It is impossible to admire other couples without wanting to be like them. They are not perfect, but their affection and support of each other help them manage well their differences and challenges.

What couples inspire you?

How?

Mark