We get caught up in what doesn’t work, instead of celebrating what can and does work.

Looking side to side or seeing how others are pretending everything is okay only leaves you wanting something that may not be right for your marriage.

Are you being a chameleon in your marriage?

Trying to be what everyone wants from you? The husband, the kids, the boss, the dog, the cats, the neighbor, and even the baby goats.

Marriage is not easy, because relationships are not easy. Each relationship and love-ship requires sacrifice and dedication to make it work. There’s give ‘n take. There’s knowing when to give and when to receive.

So instead of setting your marriage up for obstacles and truly gaining detours before they even exist, love in practical ways.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Love in practical ways!

There is no marriage that is going to be perfect and there’s never going to be one way of doing things. You have to find what works for your marriage and your relationship.

What does it mean to love in practical ways?

It’s loving in your every day.

• How you show up in your marriage for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• How you show up in your marriage when paying the bills and grocery shopping.
• How you show up in your marriage while doing the laundry and cleaning the toilet.
• How you show up in your marriage when you get fired or get passed over for a promotion.

Loving in practical ways is everyday love!

So how can you love in practical ways?

1. Let the good dictate the day. Stop focusing so much on what your spouse is doing wrong. Notice what he is doing right. Praise him for the little things that make you go, hmmm!
2. Compliment more than you criticize. For every thought of criticism, interject 3 thoughts of compliments. Otherwise, if you are living off of criticisms, you will have more conflict.
3. Forgive faster than you fuss. Keeping score is great for the Olympics or sports, not your marriage. Yes, you are going to disagree and make mistakes. You will raise your voices at each other. But what matters is forgiving faster than you fuss. Stop calling out what does not need attention. Because seriously — do you want to be remembered for all the wrong, or how you forgave.

Marriage is precious and should be taken seriously with love, laughter, and forgiveness at the core.

My prayer for you…

Help us to remember when we first met and the strong love that grew between us. Help us love in practical ways so that nothing can divide us. May our words be kind and our thoughts be gracious. May we remain humble enough to ask for forgiveness and wise enough to freely give. Love today to impact tomorrow.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“