Marriage is a journey filled with highs and lows, joys and challenges. While we are still newlyweds and have a long journey ahead of us we have learned some lessons already in the first three years that have helped us a lot and feel are worth sharing. We hope that these lessons can offer valuable insights into nurturing a Christ-centered marriage.
Prayer as the Foundation
One of the core principles that has laid the foundation for a God-Centered Marriage is praying together daily. A simple prayer before bed where we express gratitude, intercede for others, and lay our concerns at God's feet has brought us closer and centered our marriage on faith.
Embracing Sacrifice in Love
True love is about more than just affectionate feelings. It is willing the good of the other, which often includes sacrifice. We’ve learned to willingly lay down our desires for the good of the other. From little acts like doing the dishes or stepping away from work to spend quality time together, these sacrifices have strengthened our bond.
Understanding Love Languages
A pivotal lesson has been understanding and practicing each other’s love languages. Whether it's through acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, or gifts, we strive to love each other in the way we best receive love.
Intentional Date Nights
Regular, intentional date nights have kept the spark alive. Even if it’s a simple walk in the park or a cozy night at home with a favorite game, these moments of dedicated time have been precious. They remind us why we fell in love and allow us to reconnect amidst the busyness of life.
Take Interest in Each Other’s Interests
Taking an interest in each other’s hobbies has been another key lesson. Whether it’s Mari joining Trey on the golf course or Trey getting involved in Mari’s passion projects, sharing and supporting each other's interests has brought us closer and created more shared experiences.
Navigating Conflicts with Grace
Every marriage has its conflicts, but it’s how you handle them that counts. We’ve learned to approach disagreements with a mindset of unity, always remembering that we are on the same team. By listening actively, repeating back what the other person has said, and being quick to apologize and forgive, we navigate conflicts more effectively.
We always remind each other that we are on the same team. This approach changes the dynamic of any disagreement, from trying to “win” an argument to working together towards a solution. It emphasizes our partnership and unity.
Never Speak Ill of Each Other
We've committed to never speaking ill of one another, either in private or public. It's easy to fall into the trap of venting frustrations to friends, but this only breeds resentment. Instead, we build each other up with our words, fostering a culture of respect and admiration.
Start and End the Day Together
By making it a habit to start and end our day together, we create a rhythm of unity. This practice fosters intimacy and ensures that we share the first and last moments of each day.
Honesty is the Best Policy
In our marriage, we prioritize honesty. Whether it's about our feelings, thoughts, or needs, we communicate openly. This transparent communication has helped avoid misunderstandings and built a stronger, more trusting relationship.
Cultivating Quality Conversations
Spending intentional time to have quality conversations, particularly at the end of the day, has fostered deep emotional connection. We set aside moments free from screens to talk, share, and understand each other’s thoughts and feelings.
Conclusion
These lessons have been really pivotal in our marriage so far, and we hope they offer some wisdom and encouragement for your own marriage. Remember, every marriage is unique, and the journey is continuous. Stay committed, stay in prayer, and always strive to love each other more deeply.
If you enjoyed this blog post and found the lessons helpful, consider incorporating some of these practices into your own relationship. By putting God at the center and continually working on your bond, you can build a marriage that is not only enduring but also a true partnership on the path to holiness.