Kevin A. Thompson - Happily: 8 Commitments of Couples Who Laugh, Love & Last

This is what I always dreamed writing would be like. Im eight hundred miles from home in a cabin in Colorado. To my right is a fire occasionally inviting me to come sit by it for its warmth. To my left the snow is covering the grass on the riverbank as the water gently rolls downstream.

Today is a negotiated outcome. I wanted a few days to look at the manuscript in the midst of peace and quiet. Jenny wanted our kids to experience the ski slopes while they were still young enough to learn them quickly. As we try to do, we made both happen. As my wife and her siblings chase our kids and nieces and nephews around the slopes, I reread this manuscript, considering the suggestions of wise editors and reflecting on my marriage.

While these acknowledgments may have been written in the quiet of Colorados early spring, this book was written in the chaos of career and familyJennys marketing company, two energetic kids beginning a transition to middle school, writing and speaking engagements, and pastoring a church full of people who invite me into the happiest and saddest days of their lives. I often joke with Jenny that during this season I long for the day when I will get to write in peace and quiet, but Ill bet if that season ever comes Ill long to go back to the days when I would yell at my kids, Be quiet, Ive got to finish this article on good parenting.

Thank you, Ella and Silas. You have made sacrifices so your father could write. I hope not too many. Ive desperately tried to get it rightto push aside the computer to go play catch or to close the manuscript in order to listen to what youve had to say. But I know Ive missed the mark on occasions. Ive enjoyed this season of parenting and pray you look back on these years with great fondness.

Thank you to those who encouraged me to write and to those who made my writing better. To readers of www.kevinathompson.com, whose experiences help me understand the need. To family and friendsthose who live on the compound and those who just come to visit. To the leadership, staff, and membership of Community Bible Church. To Andrea and her team at Revell as well as Teresa and those at the William K. Jensen Literary Agency.

But most of all, to Jenny. As I reread the words in this manuscript, Im reminded of how well you live them out. With an amazing consistency you model for me and our kids how a wife and mom is supposed to love. I dont just love you, Im happily in love with you.