This post is a continuation of my Wedding Day Countdown – 10 things I want you to know before your wedding day.  ( Original Post – http://wp.me/p2Uy1y-wv )

Five days and counting! We all need a little help along the way.

A mentor is defined as an experienced and trusted advisor. Who wouldn’t need one of those? I’m not sure if someone would have told me to find a mentor couple when I first got married that I would have taken it seriously, but the truth is, God in His infinite wisdom sent several to us over our years of marriage that helped us through rough waters. Our marriage wasn’t on the rocks, nor were we in dire need of a counselor, but we were stumbling along a road we’d never taken before and needed some sound guidance on how to navigate it. Being married at 20 years old leaves a lot of years of personality changes. Changes that are difficult enough to handle alone, but then when you add in another person and all that comes with marriage, it can lay a rocky foundation in those early years.

A couple from our church who were caring for their own grandchildren at the time (around the same age as my kids) embraced us and without us even knowing became that couple for us.   Keep an open mind and open eyes for a couple like this.  Look for someone you admire and trust. Make sure that they care for you, believes in you, and naturally encourages you. Honesty will be key. You’ll need someone who can be candid about things that you need to hear. Their values should be in line with yours so that the goals for your marriage can be met.  Having someone who can remain objective will be very important.  Someone who has overcome their own obstacles and who can give you practical advice on steps you can take. Most important is that they encourage a love triangle. WHAT? Yes, a love triangle – God, and the two of you!

Psalm 94:18-19 When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Father, thank you for the gift of marriage.  When the everyday burdens of life start to creep into this marriage, I pray you equip them, as husband and wife, to be the help for one another that you intended them to be. Show them how to encourage and support one another and most importantly fight for one another and not with one another. Teach them to speak kindly to one another when they are frustrated and to always respect one another. Open their eyes to recognize when they are stuck and seek guidance from a seasoned Christian couple who can walk beside them.  Lord, prepare this mentor couple that you will choose especially for them, to meet the needs of our children. Amen.

Proverbs 10:12  – Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.