I Love Being Married

"We don't naturally grow together and love each other more. We tend to grow apart, to grow distant. So we have to work hard at marriage. It's the most fun work in the world, but it's still work." Ann Ortlund

Marriage is such a wonderful gift! I am a newbie still but I love what marriage offers and everything beautiful that come with it.

A while back, when my hubby and I were still dating, he said something to me once that was so profound (he tend to do that a lot). He told me that he felt that love came in waves; it was never the same. At times he loved me so much it as overflowing, and at others it wasn't so much. He always loved me though! (this happened to be at a time where his point was he loved me a whole bunch at that point so no worries!).

My devotional this morning was about marriage and its many seasons. Little did I know, or my hubby know, at that point in our lives that what he was saying had so much truth to it. There are times when we go through highs and lows, with anything, but especially marriage. There will be times when everything is great. Things just seem to all into place and almost feel perfect. Then there are those other times when you wish the "good times" were back. You wish that you weren't arguing about dumb little things and you wonder why everything is making you upset.

Marriage is a great and wonderful gift. It is the closest we will ever come to understanding God's love for us. God has given us marriage to teach us so many things: love, faithfulness, strength, endurance, patience, just to name a few.

Treat your marriage how you would your relationship with God. Treat your spouse how God treats you. Truly practice a loving and unconditional love relationship. It is hard to do. But having God as your foundation will make you strong and able to do the impossible!

Will Do

1. Honor your spouse and make your marriage a priority
2. Bring concerns to God in prayer
3. Be open to change
4. Understand that marriage has its seasons that God will help you through
5. Be willing to compromise
6. Make time together a priority
7. Be committed to growth, in marriage and as an individual

To Do

1. Remind each other why you want to be together
2. Make a commitment to worship together
3. Make a list of 3 things you admire in your spouse and then tell them!
4. Plan a romantic date for just the two of you
5. Tuck a love note in your spouse's lunch 
6. Turn off the TV and just spend an evening together

Bible Verses to Remember

1. Genesis 2:24
2. Genesis 2:18
3. 1 Corinthians 7:3
4. Matthew 19:11
5. Matthew 19:6
6. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
7. Proverbs 19:14
8. Ecclesiastes 4:9
9. 1 Corinthians 16:14

"There is no more lovely, friendly, or charming relationship, communion, or company, than a good marriage."

            Martin Luther