Everything it took to “GET” the marriage…it will take that and more to “KEEP” the marriage!
Getting married is the easy part. Staying married is the investment! The first part can be fun and carefree. The second part (after the wedding day) has been making deposits and withdrawals and balancing the checkbook of life with a few hurdles or bounced checks along the way!
But it takes both the “good” and the “bad”; the “for better” and the “for worse”, that tests the endurance of the commitment made in the form of vows. Though challenging, it is more rewarding when you reach milestones and markers that show how far you have come. Celebrate your success instead of focusing aimlessly on the failures and refuse to allow them to derail your future progress. That’s how you build! One brick at a time!
Speaking of “building blocks” let me share this marriage acronym that describes what strong marriages are built on that I found on the web!!
M.A.R.R.I.A.G.E (Building blocks)
Matrimony: Your marriage is a covenant between husband, wife & Jah. When we marry, we take a pledge to be with our spouse, and them ONLY. Keep it sacred and holy. If an indiscretion has taken place make the decision to forgive, never repeat that cycle, grow from it and move forward. You don't do well dwelling on a person's past mistakes while trying to have a future with them.
Admiration: Always admire your spouse. The same things that you did to make each other fall in love while dating; continue to do that in your marriage but turn up that admiration! Your spouse should always be your “crush”. Remember how you treated your crush? Love notes, kisses, cards, watching movies on the sofa, great phone conversations, gifts, your undivided attention, etc. Let your actions speak louder than your words.
Resilience: One of the keys to a successful marriage, is that both parties MUST be strong and resilient (able to bounce back!). If this is a quality that you lack, ask Jah to help you with it. He will give you the strength that you need.
Respect: Always respect one another. Respect goes right along with love. It’s that vital quality that makes the husband feel valued and the wife appreciated. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) It doesn’t mean you will always agree, but allow respect to be mutual. Don't try to loud or over talk your mate. It never works.
Intimacy: Always make time for quiet and physical closeness with your spouse. Set aside time for kissing, hugs and other forms of physical affection. A little goes a long way. Also, remember, INTIMACY, doesn’t START in the BEDROOM…but it can end up there! By the way you talk to, treat and deal with your spouse, starting in the kitchen, the living Room, the bathroom, through your acts of random kindness, give each other more to love!
Appreciation: Always be grateful and show appreciation and gratitude towards one another. As human beings, we enjoy being appreciated and a grateful spirit goes far. Strive to be nice and work towards keeping your marriage healthy. Read the Bible to understand God’s view/expectations regarding marriage. Pray together about what is important to both of yall. I admit, this can be challenging when problems arise, but worth it in the end.
Encourage: Always be the one that is encouraging your spouse. “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” It feels good! Tell him he is doing a great job providing for the family, leading Bible discussions and do what he needs to be done! Men love a supportive wife, plus society admires women for doing this too!
I understand that sometimes couples feel like they gotta call it game over, but remember 'its only what you make it'.
I am Ward
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