We have appreciated many things about our parents’ marriage, but one key theme is kindness.

They speak to each other with kindness. They chose to be kind when it would be easier not to be. They don’t rush each other out the door with harsh words or eyebrow raises when they are running late and one is still talking with a friend or getting ready. They take time to buy flowers, write notes and spend quality time together. Kindness begets more kindness in their marriage, and we are learning in ours as well.

I (Trevor) can relate to Dad in those times where he would clean the kitchen for mom after one of her great meals. Beth loves having an empty sink and tidy counters when she goes to bed. This is a simple gesture of kindness I can do.

We try to ask ourselves before we speak or act – “Is this kind?” The answer is either yes or no.

Ephesians 4:32 tells us, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you”.