Strong bonds Published July 31, 2014 By Chaplain Robert J. Cordery 157th Air Refueling Wing Chaplain's Office PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. -- With the arrival of summer and better weather we, as human beings, tend to develop lists of things we would like to work on. People will be heard to say; "I have to work on the cottage, work on the garden, work on my diet, work on the pool, work on my tan," and countless other goals that the good weather elicits from us. Idea upon idea are developed and considered but rarely do I hear anyone say, "I have to work on my marriage!" As we look at celebrities and their marriages, many are short lived, with some being only a matter of weeks. Many, I believe, in Hollywood or maybe even people you know, enter marriage under the pretense that once married you will be surrounded by shady trees, rolling hills, brilliantly clad aromatic flowers, gentle brooks, caroling bells and singing birds. The excitement and the attraction of the early year's gives way to routine, misunderstandings, arguments and taking each other for granted. Words such as; "he or she does not understand me," are heard from loved ones. At the end of June, the Chaplain's Office and the Airman and Family Readiness manager, offered a marriage renewal program entitled, "Laughing your way to a better Marriage" in North Conway, N.H. This free weekend, except for the cost of gasoline or personal items, was open to all members of the 157th Air Refueling Wing, Air National Guard and active duty members. The weekend focused on the difference between the two brains, male and female, intimacy, communication, fun and forgiveness. There was time afforded to allow the couples to have a "date night" that for many was unattainable due to family life and demands. The couples rated the weekend as "outstanding" and the materials presented were timely, on target and user friendly. Marriage, like anything else that is good in life, demands our attention and concentrated effort. A couple's life together, like a good book, leaves something new to be discovered as each page is turned. It takes a conscious effort for a nurturing marriage to grow and sustain itself as years march on. Plans are now being made for an "Autumn Marriage Enrichment Weekend." Details will be forthcoming in the near future. For those interested in attending the fall session, are asked to email Bonnie Rice at bonnie.rice@ang.af.mil. Besides the fall event, the Chaplain's Office and Airman and Family Readiness manager will be hosting a winter/spring session in 2015. Why not think about attending one and reinvigorating your relationship and your married life.