If you were to sum up what it took to have a great marriage or what did it look like to have a marriage that strives to be great, what would you say? What would be some of the driving principles?
There are many marriages out there. We encounter all different types. There are those who seem to be Newlyweds; they are staring longingly into each other’s eyes. They are holding hands and walking almost in stride with one another. Then you may encounter those who seem to have been married for a long time; they are somewhat synced with one another, yet they seem to lack that “passion” they expressed when they were first married. Then you may encounter those that are just getting by; they are more like “room mates” then they are a married couple. They get along, they co-exist, they share all the bills and revenue; however, once again, the “romance” is not dwindling, it is non existent.
Wouldn’t it be such a change in all our marriages if we put forth the effort each and everyday to treat our marriages as the ordained gift from God…that they are!!
So, here are some avenues that we feel reflect a Great Marriage:
1. Great Marriages always have contentment but never have complacency.
Contentment means choosing to always be thankful for what you already have whether it’s a little or a lot. Great couples have an “attitude of gratitude” for all they’ve already got, but they refuse to get on autopilot and stop dreaming new dreams together. They’re content, but never complacent. They’re thankful, but always moving forward together to reach new heights.
2. Great Marriages don’t have any secrets.
Trust is the cornerstone of a healthy marriage, and strong couples have learned that secrets in marriage can be as dangerous as lies. When a husband and wife choose to communicate about everything (the good, the bad and the ugly), it brings a level of trust and intimacy that can’t be achieved any other way.
3. Great Marriages don’t have an “Exit Strategy.”
Commitment leads to trust which leads to intimacy which leads to great marriages. The word “divorce” needs to be completely removed from your mind and your vocabulary if you want to create the stability necessary for a great marriage.
4. Great Marriages prioritize Fun.
Laughter is the soundtrack of a great marriage. They plan and prioritize activities that will create fun and happy memories. Those activities don’t need to be expensive or elaborate, but they need to be deliberate. An easy way to get started is to ask each other some date night questions.
5. Great Marriages keep an optimistic outlook.
Happy couples face the same struggles as unhappy couples, but they choose to face those struggles with a hopeful perspective and an optimistic outlook. Always choose to see the best in each other and in the world around you.
6. Great Marriages don’t live on leftovers.
We’re all sometimes guilty of giving our spouse our “leftovers” after we’ve given our best energies to our job and other demands. Vibrant couples always strive to give each other the very best of themselves.
7. Great Marriages have a foundation of faith.
Couples who pray together are much more likely to stay together. I believe that God is the only “perfect” part of a marriage, so the more of Him you have in your relationship, the more perfect it will become! Keep your marriage centered on Christ!
PURSUIT OF MARRIAGE 