Marriage isn't a performance.
While we do say "no" to our feelings at times and go out of our way to love and serve each other, there is a big difference between sacrificing for your spouse and performing for your spouse.

Where there is performance, there is pride. Where there is sacrifice, there is humility.

If you find yourself getting frustrated with yourself or your spouse when you're trying to do something for them, you may be performing for them rather than sacrificing for them.

Marriage is like investing.
There's a saying: "The best day to invest was yesterday, and the second-best day to invest is today." That applies to marriage, too.

I can feel the difference in our marriage when I prioritize it—when I put effort, time, and even money into it. The sooner and more you invest, the better it becomes. Don’t get sucked into the belief that a good relationship should happen on it’s on. People are broken, therefore relationships will be broken! Work together of to make things work together!

Marriage is teamwork.
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but let me add this: You and I both know more about teamwork than we actually practice.

We all know communication and unity are game changers for relationships—but how often do we actually implement them? Have team meetings. Check in with your teammate. Celebrate your team wins and support each other when the team takes a hit.

It’s not you vs. them. It’s both of you vs. the problem.

Marriage is a covenant.

We've had plenty of moments where we didn’t practice our vows and we hurt each other. But that’s the beauty of covenant—the door is locked. There’s no jumping ship.

Because of that, we have the security that when things feel broken to work things out, apologize, and do better for each other—with each other. Don’t underestimate the safety that comes from covenant. It’s a beautiful protection through life’s hard moments, especially when you’re the one who is being “hard”!

Marriage is a mirror.
One of my favorite books is The Picture of Dorian Gray. In short, an artist paints a portrait of Dorian, and through some "magical" event, his soul is captured in the painting. The more he sins, the more twisted and corrupted the portrait becomes, while he stays looking the same.

I’ve seen this play out in marriage.

My actions are reflected in my wife. When I’m treating her well, you can see it. When I’m treating her poorly, you can see that too. It may not be visible in my appearance all the time, but it’s visible in hers. (and vice versa)

So take a deep look in the “mirror” and assess if your actions are leading to an abundant life or a neglected one.

Marriage is a journey.
Things change. People change. The economy changes. Your home changes. Your job changes. Your roles change. Your bodies change.

Marriage is filled with change, and learning to embrace, roll with, and enjoy the journey of change will be a massive game-changer for your relationship.

Tori’s new fav pjs! Super soft and spring-time ready! here

Another set Tori is loving! “Set so good I’ve bought in two colors! (I have the heather grey & navy blue but I’m also eyeing the black & brown!)” here 

Miss our daily devo’s? The Glorify app is the #1 Christian Daily Devotional app! Check it out for free here 

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