If you’ve been around Makin’ Macon long enough, you know that starting the year with intentional love and keeping your marriage alive is a cornerstone of what we believe. This past summer, we dedicated an entire series, “Marriage Matters,” to this important topic, delivering it every Monday. We’ve even extended this mission to YouTube, where you can find additional content focused on building strong, Christ-centered marriages. That’s how passionate I am about keeping my marriage alive and thriving.
Let me be clear: I’m no expert, and I don’t claim to have the perfect marriage. In fact, my husband and I intentionally work on our relationship every day. We prioritize frequent date nights, carve out alone time in the evenings, engage in deep conversations, and practice communicating our feelings without exploding. These intentional actions have taught us that we truly are each other’s best friend. We lean into each other when times are tough, just as God designed marriage to be. In Genesis 2:18, God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” From the very beginning, God intended for marriage to be a partnership—a companionship rooted in love and mutual support.
Setting Spiritual Goals for Your Marriage
As we step into the New Year, it’s essential to focus on spiritual goals first. Building a marriage on the foundation of faith creates a strong, unshakable bond. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” By prioritizing prayer and time in God’s Word together, we’re able to align our hearts and goals with His plan for our lives.
Each morning, I strive to rise with my husband as he prepares for work. This shared time over coffee and breakfast not only sets a positive tone for the day but also allows us to pray and connect before going our separate ways. Evenings, too, are sacred. After the kids are in bed, we prioritize time together, whether that’s sharing about our day or just enjoying a quiet moment in each other’s presence. These intentional moments help us stay spiritually and emotionally connected.
How to Prioritize Your Marriage in a Busy Life
1. Show Love in Front of Your Kids
One way I like to show my husband how much he means to me is by honoring him in front of our kids. They see that we respect and value each other, even during disagreements. This sets a strong example of what a godly marriage looks like. At night, we make a concerted effort to spend time together after the kids are in bed. Sometimes, this means our youngest heads to bed a bit earlier so we can enjoy those quiet moments. Other times, we plan intentional date nights, even if it’s just a quick dinner out while our teen watches her brother. These small efforts go a long way in keeping our marriage strong.
2. Be Intentional with Communication
Life is busy—from homeschooling the kids to serving actively in our church. Yet, we’ve learned that being intentional in small ways makes all the difference. Whether it’s a short text during the day, a quick FaceTime call, or simply setting aside time to listen to each other, these gestures keep us connected. Ephesians 5:33 encourages us: “Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Love and respect are the pillars of our marriage, and we intentionally nurture them every day.
3. Invest in Regular Date Nights
Regular date nights are essential. Sometimes, our date nights are at home—just us, hiding out in the bedroom with snacks and a good conversation. Other times, we go out for dinner, knowing our teen is watching her younger brother. No matter what we do, these moments remind us of why we fell in love and give us the space to reconnect. As Song of Solomon 8:7 says, “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.” Protecting that love through intentional time together is worth every effort.
Building a Family Legacy of Love
Our intentional love doesn’t just strengthen our marriage; it also lays the foundation for our family. Our kids witness how we prioritize each other, and that shapes their understanding of what a godly marriage should look like. They know we have disagreements, but they also see how we resolve them with grace and respect. By showing them the importance of our marriage, we’re modeling a legacy of love and faith for future generations.
When my husband and I face challenges, we lean into each other and into God. This hasn’t always been easy—it’s taken effort and intentionality. My husband grew up in a broken home, while I was blessed with parents who were devoted to one another. Together, we’ve made a commitment to build a marriage that reflects God’s love and faithfulness. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 beautifully illustrates this commitment: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up.” By investing in our marriage now, we’re preparing for a future where we’ll continue to thrive long after our kids have left the nest.
Embracing New Beginnings: Marriage Goals for the New Year
As we enter this season of New Beginnings and Spiritual Refresh, I encourage you to set intentional goals for your marriage. Whether it’s committing to regular date nights, praying together, or simply taking time to listen, every effort you make will bear fruit. As 1 Corinthians 13:7 reminds us, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Let’s step into this New Year with a renewed commitment to love, honor, and cherish our spouses as God intended.
Here’s to a year filled with intentional love, fresh starts, and the joy of growing closer to God and each other!
Remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are!
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