This is the second in a three part series on marriage. Part one is here. You can listen to this post on Refresh Her podcast.
Marriage is a journey that is intended by God to last a lifetime. There are responsibilities that we are to “pack away” to make our relationships God-honoring, fulfilling to our husband, and to create a home life that is a blessing to one another. Let’s pick up with our list and check to see if our luggage is packed sufficiently.
This list isn’t filled with the essentials, like Bible study and prayer. I’m assuming that, like your outfits you would pack for a trip, these are already “on the list.” They’re non-negotiables. Be in God’s Word. Stay in fellowship with the Lord through a regular, desperate prayer time.
Let’s turn around and add some things we often forget, like …
a healthy lifestyle. This would include the things our bodies need to be healthy. Are you exercising? Are you eating a healthy diet and avoiding things that could put you at risk for a heart attack? Are you getting regular check-ups and dental cleanings? For a marriage to go the long distance, we need to do what we can to remain healthy. Of course illness and injuries are in the hands of a sovereign God. If illness is a part of our daily life, we look to Him to know how to navigate our marriage in the midst of it. Do what you can still do. Use your words to encourage, if your body is weak. Ask the Lord for wisdom. But for the rest of us…let’s do the hard things to maintain a healthy life.
Hospitality – Are you showing hospitality to your husband? Often it’s easier to swing open our heart’s door to strangers than the one to whom we’re married! But he should get the best of everything! Give him the new, soft towels, ironed sheets, the good dishes, the comfy chair. Show him how much he is loved by generous hospitality that tells him you’re glad he’s home, that he is the most important person in your life, and you treasure him.
Diligence – We all know how much work it takes to get all the things done at home. It takes diligence to stay at it to complete each task, to stay on time and to allow our mate to know he can depend on us to finish what he needs our help with. Rebekah offered to water Abraham’s servant’s camels. That means she could have given up to 250 gallons of well water! She diligently worked and served. Regular mealtime preparation, mended clothing, a home that is a respite are all ways we can diligently serve our mate.
Courtesy – As the years pass, it’s easy to take for granted the things our husband does for us. Don’t neglect saying thank you and please. Thank him for going to work and bringing home a paycheck, for taking out the trash, mowing the yard, taking you out for lunch, or being a gentleman. Say it – don’t assume he knows you’re thankful. When you ask him to help you do something, use the word please.
If he is doing something that is bothersome, make it a matter of prayer, rather than nagging him and becoming his mother. Sadly, years ago I fell into that habit. When the Lord revealed it to me, I confessed it to Him and my husband. It brought about a beautiful change in our relationship. I also found that God used those “bothersome habits” to change me, instead of Dale. We can trust the Lord for our husband’s life. Show him courtesy by respecting him enough to pray instead of nag.
As we continue packing for the journey of marriage, let’s remember that health, hospitality, diligence and courtesy aren’t just nice extras – they are daily choices that help our marriage thrive for the long haul. When we tend to these areas with love and intentionality, we not only bless our spouse but also create a home and a relationship that reflect God’s goodness.
So, as you look at your own “marriage suitcase,” which of these essentials do you need to start packing today?
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