Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other.

Before I began dating Frances, I was watching a movie with her one day and we got on the topic of what we wanted to see in future spouses. We had a mutual interest in each other at this stage, but this conversation turned out to be a real kick-starter to our relationship. I told Frances that I wanted to always place God above everything. I wanted a spouse that would put God even above me initially. I wanted a spouse that would raise our children in the Gospel if I had passed away. A spouse that always placed God over each relationship. 

Furthermore, I had witnessed firsthand the effects of children on a marriage relationship. Some Parents would put the needs and desires of their children sometimes over the needs of their spouse. I strongly disagreed with that notion. God and your spouse are your priorities. In the eternal plan, you will not be spending eternity with your children. Ideally, they would have their spouses and would be with them. Your eternity is with your spouse. Not your children. 

Now don't get me wrong. Children are entitled to faithful parents who have a responsibility to provide for them. That's not my point. Rather, my point is that the greatest responsibility and commitment is foremost to your spouse. It is a "solemn responsibility to love and care for each other". First, not second or third, first.

I am now married to Frances and that idea has been at the forefront of my mind. She deserves a spouse that loves and cares for her. 100% of the time. When President Kimball said "While marriage is difficult, and discordant and frustrated marriages are common, yet real, lasting happiness is possible, and marriage can be more an exultant ecstasy than the human mind can conceive. This is within the reach of every couple, every person."

Perhaps.

Perhaps I can achieve that with happiness by placing her at the forefront. Always.