Like ships in the night...

It is easy to get caught up in our own needs and schedules in life. As a husband and wife, we each have a lot going on: school, work, church, household responsibilities, exercise, etc. and it only gets busier when kids are added to the picture. Amid these many demands, I can easily picture a couple losing interest in one another and passing by like ships in the night as they go about their own activities. In order to retain our relationship, we have to be intentional.

“…being helpful to each other will do far more for the strength and passion of your marriage than a two-week Bahamas getaway.” (John M. Gottman)

We have to choose to spend time together. Simple to-do tasks such as grocery shopping, running errands, exercising, getting gas, folding laundry, doing dishes and so on, are little moments that only take one person to accomplish the task but when you choose to be together, you are bringing meaning to the ordinary events and transforming them into extraordinary moments together.

Another HUGE way to help your marriage relationship to remain strong is to be strong in your faith in Christ.

“When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities". (President Ezra Taft Benson)

As you and your spouse strengthen your faith in and obedience to God and the Savior, we cannot help but also come closer to each other! It is easy to see in the triangle depiction of an eternal marriage relationship, God at the top and each spouse in a bottom corner. As we move up towards Him, we are brought closer together too!

“When we have an eternal perspective on our marriages, everything is different. Filled with faith, we might adapt Jesus’ advice as our mantra: ”Look unto me in every thought; doubt not fear not” (D&C 6:36). I would add “fret not, panic not.” (H. Wallace Goddard)

Acting in faith to live the gospel closes the gap that can come between spouses in our busy world. It helps us to reprioritize, retain an eternal perspective and choose to help serve and lift one another.