My husband and I have a HOT marriage. (I have vowed to speak truth to you, okay?) Honestly though, our marriage is one of the most beautiful gifts in my life. Now… we’ve had our ups and downs like everyone else. In total transparency, we’ve had some downs that would have broken most marriages. But we have committed to be a 3 strand cord, with God as the center and strongest cord. A 3 strand cord is not easily broken, no matter whether it’s enduring a season of suffering or enjoying a season of abundance.
As great as our marriage is, we are both always looking for ways to better ourselves. As we each seek growth individually, we experience growth TOGETHER and it’s one of the best parts of our marriage!
Whether your marriage is fantastic or needs spiced up, these 5 things will make it even better:
1. Learn to express love in your spouse’s Love Language.
The best book I’ve ever read on marriage is “The 5 Love Languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman. Spouses may receive love best in different ways. In his book, Dr. Chapman helps you recognize both your and your spouses love languages. He also teaches you how to express your spouse’s love language to them, so their “love tank” stays full.
2. Never quit on the same day.
There will be tough days. That’s a guarantee, but if you and your spouse will commit to never quitting on the same day, those tough days will be way more manageable. If one spouse is down or having an off day, the other spouse is there to lift them up, brush them off and encourage them to keep going… that’s everything friend! There’s nothing more powerful than knowing your spouse is on your team and cheering you on!
3. Have fun!
My husband and I have SO. MUCH. FUN. together. There is honestly no one else I’d rather spend time with. He makes me laugh, feel silly and just like I did when we very first met. We all know that alone time can be hard to come by, so schedule in advance! Make plans for a babysitter and put a “fun night” on the calendar! Go do something creative or new, like taking a painting class together. Or maybe do the traditional dinner and movie like you did when you were first dating. Or pack a picnic and go find a quiet spot to enjoy time together. Leave your cell phone in the car, be silly and go have some FUN together!
4. Put your spouse BEFORE your kids.
Whoa! This is tough! I’m guilty, so guilty as a Mom, of putting the kids before my spouse sometimes. Have you and your spouse ever disagreed on the discipline or raising of the kids. Have you noticed that it drives a wedge between you? Check this out… you are on the SAME team! You both have the same end goal… raise happy, healthy, productive children. Get on the same page!! It may be time to have a conversation with your spouse and ask for forgiveness, and it may be time to make a conscious decision that you’re going to put your spouse before your kids.
5. Cover your marriage in prayer.
Pray together. Pray FOR each other and pray FOR your marriage. Ask God to pour out favor and blessings over your spouse, even when they don’t deserve it. Pray for your spouse, especially when you are angry or annoyed and you don’t want to do it. Praying God’s blessing over your spouse will soften YOUR heart and it will help you move forward together.
Guess what… someday, the kids will grow up and move away. Who will be left? You and your SPOUSE! They were there with you in the beginning and they’ll be there in the end. PLEASE don’t become a statistic. The number of empty nesters that end up divorced is SHOCKING. Work now on making your marriage better and stronger every single day. Marriage is a good thing. Your marriage was meant to last and it was meant to thrive! Which of these 5 things can you implement today to create a happier marriage, one that will endure, one that will last a lifetime?
{How to Have a Happy Marriage – The Checklist} Your Marriage was meant to THRIVE! Use this FREE daily checklist to grow forward with your spouse.
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