Going Through the Motions

I was just reading a devotion that said to "Stop reading your Bible like it's something to check off your Christian to do list." It talked about reading it for what it is, a love letter from God to each and every one of us...we have to read it like it was meant for us and apply it to our lives. I was so convicted because sometimes we do that don't we? We sit down to read the Bible just so we can say we did it today...we go through the motions, when we really need to dig in, find ourselves in it, and apply it to our lives. I could hear the Lord speaking to me saying, "We do that in our marriages, too." We allow complacency to set in and we just go through the motions, when the Lord meant for it to be SO MUCH MORE!

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE JUST GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS IN YOUR MARRIAGE SOMETIMES?

I'm going to take a wild guess and say you do...I think we all can get to that point sometimes. Our intentions are GRAND and we make that promise to always keep our spouse first and to make sure they know they are loved everyday...we commit to always working hard at our marriage. So why do we get stuck in this routine that makes it seem like we are just checking something off of a list? Yep, I told him I loved him today...check! Yep, I hugged her today...check!

You may have heard me say this before...or read it in one of my earlier blogs, but I will say it again because it is sooo true! Satan WANTS us to be right there, stuck going through the motions because he knows that sooner or later, it won't be enough and someone's mind will wander over to something they think is a greener pasture. Bitterness and loneliness sets in and then the thoughts will lead to action, and he's got you! You may have heard the saying to stop searching for a greener grass and water your own. It makes so much sense...in order to have a great yard, you have to water it, pull the weeds out, and put a lot of work into it. Our marriages are the same. To have a great marriage, you have to put work into it. So here are a few practical ways to water your own lawn and get out of the rut of just "Going through the motions."

• Make time to TALK each and EVERY DAY. Ladies NEED to talk, it's how they feel close to someone...so guys, please talk to your wives. Don't just nod and pretend to pay attention, actually look at them,  engage in the conversation, ask questions, and tell her about your day too. COMMUNICATION IS KEY! (See the previous blog post on Communication:)
• TOUCH each other. Hold hands, hug each other, kiss. Sit next to each other on the couch and snuggle. When you hug, hold each other tight for at least 10 seconds. Hugging releases Oxytocin which makes a person feel connected to someone. It has also been said that it can lower stress hormones in your body. So hug your spouse A LOT!
• PURSUE your spouse...like you did when you were dating. Send them sweet messages through out the day. Tell them you miss them. Call them if you can. Tell them how handsome or beautiful they are. Pursue them like you don't already have them!
• Make a DATE NIGHT a priority. If you don't have much money, it's ok...do something fun at home like make a picnic or take a long walk on the beach. If you can, go out at least twice a month. Make it so much a priority that you make a plan and stick to it. Get a babysitter and do it! Write your plan down--for example-- Put it on the family calendar and stick to it! This not only sets a great example for your children, but it keeps your marriage going. 
• BE INTENTIONAL- it takes a conscious effort every day to make a marriage great! Do what it takes to make your marriage thrive...you won't regret it!