I never set out to be a writer about relationships. A few years ago, I began www.kevinathompson.com with the intention of writing about leadership and current events. A few months in, I wrote an article about marriage, and the response was immediate. While other articles received attention, the topic of marriage found an audience. What began as happenstance became a weekly habit of writing about marriage. Much of this book is an overflow of that. The ideas found here were formed and tested on my website. As readers responded, questioned, and told me their stories, I became convinced of the need for this book. Without those readers and their willingness to share, like, interact, question, and encourage, this book would have never been. Thank you.
I would also like to thank:
Mom and Dad. There was never a day in which Leigh or I doubted your love. There were times in which I doubted Leigh’s love, but it was probably the strongest of them all.
Bruce and Verna. You loved Jenny well, and I benefit from that every day.
Ed, Shara, and the co-workers both past and present I’ve spent the last fifteen years with, especially those who have been there for most of that time—Matt and Becca, Susan and Bart, Michelle and Mark. Your marriages make my marriage better.
The men who call me friend before they call me pastor and, in so doing, make me a better pastor—Jay, Michael, Dick, and many others.
Calvin Miller. Although he has left this earth, his teaching and friendship still sticks with me.
The leadership and membership of Community Bible Church. Your generosity and support never cease. You endured a teenager as he learned to communicate. You encouraged a twenty-something as he was becoming a man. And you have empowered a thirty-something to chase his dreams. I’m grateful.
Teresa Evenson and those at the William K. Jensen Literary Agency. I’m thankful our friend Seth Haines said we could trust one another.
Andrea Doering, Twila Bennett, and those at Revell. Thanks for patiently teaching me this process and pretending like my questions are normal.
Ella and Silas. I write, in part, so I can still talk to you after I’m gone.
Jenny. One of my favorite things is knowing there is nothing I can write here that will move you to tears, yet I try anyway. My greatest privilege in life is calling you mine. Thank you for choosing me in return. One of the reasons I’m so passionate about marriage is because of how fortunate I feel to have you. Thank you for every word you have edited, every story you have endured, and every time you’ve restrained yourself from quoting me back to me.