PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE FOR MARRIAGE--PART 1
Several years ago, Linda and I were on the Christian TV talk show DAYSTAR, discussing marriage with the Hosts, Marcus, and Joni Lamb. We shared some of our marriage testimony along with some tips for a successful marriage.
One disturbing fact came to our attention and confirmed what we had already felt.
Most couples, or individuals, have a crisis management mentality in their marriage. Almost all the calls for prayer or questions that came on that day dealt with the saving or healing of a broken marriage. A question that came up the most was, “How can I get my spouse back”?
Not one question was regarding general preventive maintenance. We still see this trend happening today.
Many couples we talk with regarding their marriage situation have not been doing preventive maintenance. They have let frustrations and hurt grow. They have not dealt with issues or taken the time to improve or freshen up their marriage. They appear to settle for second best or decide to live frustrated and unfulfilled. Sadly, some of these marriages have ended in divorce.
Enjoying a rewarding marriage takes work. It takes an investment into your spouse and marriage. It takes preventive maintenance. It means we must be on purpose and intentional in our actions. If we aren’t, then the many marriage busters, such as selfishness, past hurts, budgets, pressures of family, work, and busy schedules, etc. will influence and wear on a marriage. It could lead to us to saying, “How can I get my spouse back?” or “I just feel like a roommate.”
Is this situation a possibility in your marriage? If so, stay tuned for part 2.