We lose weight because we are expected to be a certain size. We join a group at church because all of our friends are joining too. We go to a coffee shop because that’s the “in” thing, even though you don’t drink coffee.

All of these things are expectations that we have accepted and then our actions follow suit.

Marriage falls into the same category. You expect something of your spouse. And these expectations can lead to misunderstandings, arguments, and many bottled up frustrations.

This is NOT good!! This is a bomb waiting to go off.

It is dangerous in a relationship, in marriage.

Expectations set boundaries. And that limits not only you, but also your spouse. Plus, it’s like giving a grade before turning in the paper.

When you have expectations, there’s no room for error or fluctuations or movement. You corner your spouse forcing him/her to live up to your expectations.

How fair is that for you or your spouse?

“Expectation kills a marriage where anticipation ignites a heart!” ~ Kristianne Wargo

So how do you escape expectations and begin the anticipations?

The K.I.S.S. ~ Ignite the heart every day!

Life would be very boring if the same thing happened day in and day out. Think back to the movie, “Groundhog Day”, with Bill Murray. You don’t want the same things happening. 

Ignite the heart every day!

1. Expect the unexpected. This is where you are living in the present. You are making the moment count. It’s not about placing boundaries and limitations on your spouse (or yourself). You are not putting your spouse in a box. You are open to what’s to come.
2. Search for the new. Don’t you want to love waking up to your spouse, anticipating the excitement and the newness? Be on the lookout for what’s new. You will find what you look for. You want boundaries and limitations, keep that as the focus. But if you want to ignite the heart every day, search for something fresh. Search for the new.
3. Dream together more often. When you’re dating, as a couple, you dream together. You talk about what the future holds, the type of house, what state you’ll live in, how many children. But then life happens. You get bored living your “Groundhog day” life. It’s just repetitive. You run the kiddos to the same activities. You pay bills. You fix meals, lots of meals. But you forget to dream new dreams. You are always growing as an individual, which means you are growing as a couple. So, therefore, you need to dream together more often.

CHALLENGE: Whose heart are you going to ignite today?

You might not know what this weekend will bring. Fantastic! Expect the unexpected. Search for the new. Dream together more often.

This is the beginning of igniting the heart every day.

“Live. Love. IMPACT!!!“