My seven-year-old daughter wanted to take violin lessons, so I took her to a music store to rent an instrument. Hoping she would understand the importance of practicing, I explained that violin lessons were expensive so she would have to work hard.

"There may be times when you feel like giving up," I said, "but I want you to hang in there and keep on trying."

She nodded and then in her most serious voice said, "It will be just like marriage, right Mommy?"