Have you ever watched the habits of married couples that not only stick it out together, but actually enjoy and thrive in their relationship? What is it that they do to keep their relationship a bastion of love? They might go on a marriage retreat from time to time, but not necessarily. They might have sought the help of a professional counselor, but most did not. They might take regular romantic trips and date nights; but then again, they might not. All of these are good things to do, but not as important as daily discipline.
Here are some simple daily disciplines you might notice these thriving couples doing. Every day, they use those three little words they memorized during their courtship, “I love you.” Every day, they spend time together (at least 5 minutes and maybe more) in prayer and devotion with God and each other. Every day, they pray privately for their beloved. Every day, they tend to their kids’ needs and their other responsibilities, dividing up their tasks according to their different talents. Every night, they enjoy their intimate time together, whether it is holding each other, caressing each other, or more. Every week, they fellowship with other married couples in church as they worship God and learn from His word. When problems arise between them, they fix and forgive each other’s faults before the sun goes down. And, from time to time, they devote extra hours or extra days to reassessing their marriage needs, throwing out what is bad and incorporating new ways to enhance their relationship.
If your marriage is strong and thriving, keep up your daily discipline! If your marriage is lacking and needs attention …
and you don’t know where to begin …
and you are afraid to start something new …
and your partner does not agree…
Start by praying for your partner today and repeat that every day. Start by saying those three little words to your partner today and repeat them every day. Counseling is productive, retreats are exciting, and dates can be fun, but none of these will help your marriage as much as your daily discipline.
“But exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today’…”
Hebrews 3:13