In the epic movie Braveheart, when young William Wallace is standing by his father’s grave, Murrin, as a little girl, gives him a thistle. Years later when Wallace returns (all grown up into Mel Gibson) he begins their courtship by giving her back the thistle pressed flat in a book. Boy did he make an impression. She knew immediately what kind of a man he had grown into. A man who would guard such a small thing simply because it came from her, could certainly be trusted with something of real value—her love.
Unfortunately, in their case, things didn’t work out so great and he had to kill half of England, but that’s not the point. The point is that he was faithful in a little thing and was rewarded with something much greater.
There’s a lot to be said for the small things. A fulfilling marriage is in large part made up of small things. Things like daily courtesies, quick apologies and spontaneous affection; sacrifices of time and personal preferences; routine conversations over meals or before bed; and ignoring idiosyncrasies and annoying habits. Many couples can weather the big stuff, but few enjoy the quality only the small stuff allows.
