Marriage Moment
Brian Collis

Resolutions

A new year, a new DECADE is upon us; resolve to make your marriage better this year - even if its already great. We're all human, all fallible, all finite, so we all have room for improvement.

Perhaps you can resolve to take better advantage of unforeseen circumstances. The recent snow day(s) could have been interpreted as God saying "Quality time with your spouse - NOW!" If we believe Romans 8:28, that God intends all things for the good of those who believe in him, well then what good can we make of the scenarios we find ourselves in?

Maybe you can resolve to make an effort to bond with your spouse over something he or she enjoys that you never cared for. Does football or March madness usually drive a wedge between you? If you invested yourself in either to some degree, could it turn into something you can share together? Is only one of you exercising regularly? Working out is always easier to stick to if you have a partner, and walks around the neighborhood can be a great time to talk to each other about everything and nothing. Do you leave the room and do something else when your spouse watches "that" show? Could that instead be an excuse to snuggle on the couch under a blanket and watch together?

I'm all for resolutions to improve yourself too of course; self-care and self-improvement are important, noble and worthwhile aims. In addition to those though, I challenge you to make at least one resolution that involves a deeper knowing or understanding of your spouse and their needs - and acting on meeting those needs better than you currently do. Consider 1 Thessalonians 5:11 -

"Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up"

Are you and your spouse doing that for each other? Resolve to. I wish all of you peace, joy and prosperity in the new year - including stronger, healthier marriages.