A good relationship should be one where each person challenges the other person to be a better person. That was not intended to be a tongue twister, but it is something that I believe. It’s also true in my marriage – partly - at least in one direction. What I am trying to say is that Kristy always challenges me to be a better person.

The past few weeks have been the fulfillment of a dream for me. For several years now I have wanted to take my family along with me on a trip to the Philippines. I had almost given up hope that it would ever work out. The reasons were many. School schedules, uncertain travel schedules at work and other priorities always prevented the trip from occurring.

In addition to these challenges was the fact that Kristy really was not as interested in the trip as I was. Kristy does not share my wanderlust and is perfectly content to stay close to home. To her, the thought of loading up the family and flying us all halfway around the world sounded like more hassle and risk than fun.

Somehow, Kristy has always amazed me. And this trip was no exception. Scheduling challenges were still an issue, but we managed to work around them and Kristy agreed to go – almost without hesitation. I knew she was doing it for me – because she loves me. And in doing so, she fulfilled a dream of mine.

That’s where I get challenged to be a better person. This person that I am madly in love with just gave me a fantastic gift. This gift left me wondering how many of Kristy’s dreams I have fulfilled. Unfortunately, I’m not sure I can list many – or any. So the challenge is on and if I can meet that challenge it will make me a better person. All because she loves me.