Working
together in our marriage as partners, rather than pulling apart as adversaries,
allows us to forge deeper bonds that bring fulfillment to our relationship. Even
the most devoted couple experiences conflicts now and then.
Ignoring
the issue allows it to remain unresolved, especially if we never discuss it. Give
up your ideas and his, and pray together to find a third alternative you both
agree with. If all else fails, a Christian marriage counselor is very helpful
in resolving an impasse and preventing barriers between us.
Spending
time together in serving God is also very nourishing to our relationship. A few
nurturing ideas are: choosing a ministry in which we can serve together; learning
in a Bible study class together; going on mission trips together; volunteering
together in the community; hosting a dinner party with Christian friends, etc.
Have
fun together. Go for walks and chat, take a picnic to a local scenic view, go
to a café and drink hot cocoa on a cold night, start a campfire in the back
yard and make s'mores, ride bikes around the neighborhood, help an older couple
do their yardwork, etc.
There
is an endless list of free possibilities to spend some quality time together.
We married our mate, so that we could have and hold each other, so remember to
spend time snuggling, laughing and chatting each day too.
When
our mate is sick, we can warm a can of soup, play board games together, read
the same book and share impressions about what we read, listen to the Bible
online and discuss the verses, watch the same TV show, etc.
If
we work too much, or fill our schedule with too many hobbies and activities,
this will cause our mate to feel neglected, undesirable, stressed,
unappreciated and lonely. It is vitally important to make time for one another,
and not to allow our children's schedules to get too full either.
Prayer:
Father
God, Your Word teaches us that a happy marriage is one made of a couple willing
to sacrifice their own desires for one another's happiness and fulfillment.
Remind us that a marriage that involves a committed couple is like a tree
planted by a stream; its roots are not covered with grass and dirt so it can
breathe (Psalm 1:1-3).
Remind
us to stop to notice and to enjoy the beauties of new life during each new
spring. We want to do more than co-exist; we want to blossom as a couple and as
parents. Teach us that our marriage will flourish with fruit in the growing
seasons, and it will survive the coldest winters, by sending its roots deeper
into Christ and His Word.
Thought
for the Day:
If
we allow our self to get too embroiled in too many worthwhile activities that
separate us, we stand the chance of smothering the roots of our love; short
times apart are healthy for any relationship, but our "together" time
should be just that…together.
