I hope the title of this blog does not offend you! However, children are the number one distraction in your marriage because they take up a majority of your time.
Most married couples desire children and they should realize before they become pregnant just how much responsibility they are taking on. Both partners must agree that this is what they want. If they don’t, then we have a real problem because the spouse that did not want them usually, not always, resents the child! The spouse that wanted the child will then become the primary caretaker and the responsibility will fall on them for everything. PLEASE make sure you both have a green light about wanting children before you become pregnant! I cannot emphasize this enough!!!!
OK, you have a child or children. It is essential in a marriage to carve out some time daily to connect with your spouse, even if it is only a few minutes. Some days there will be more time than other days, but this is HUGE!! You each have expectations of each other and spending some time together is so very important!
Another thing you can do once a week is DATE NIGHT! Time for the two of you and time to connect with other friends. Maybe, dinner and a movie OR a quick hot dog somewhere that you can have a little fun together and laugh. Making time for each other is crucial in a marriage relationship! BE INTENTIONAL! One week, the wife plans the date night. The next it will be the husband’s turn. Maybe you want to double date with your best friends, that’s okay, too. Just make sure you are both in agreement. You must continue to nurture your marriage or you could find yourselves drifting apart. When the kids grow up and go off to college or leave the family home, you might look at your spouse and say, “Who are you?” You don’t want that. So, start now! The children might balk at first, but they will get used to it and you are now setting a prime example for them when they get older. Happy parents make a happy family.
In Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV, it reads: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
It’s time to make a commitment to your spouse and your marriage! Sit down together and discuss a couple of practical things you can do to nurture your marriage. Another thing you can do is ask 3 of your married friends what they do to nurture their marriage. Getting ideas from others can help you find the best ways to focus on your relationship with God and your spouse. AND it can get your creative juices flowing with some ideas of your own that you both agree on.
Remember, God always comes first!
I hope this helps you and your marriage! You can always go to our Prayer Wall and add a prayer request. It does not need to be about marriage or a relationship. It can be about anything! It would be our pleasure to pray and stand with you!
If you need to talk with someone, please reach out to info@unitymarriageministry.org. It would bless and honor us to speak with you! REMEMBER:
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
