4 Tips for a Green Marriage

The soil in our yard leaves much to be desired. A mixture of sand and clay, combined with an abundance of trees, makes it difficult to grow a green lawn. But once we installed a sprinkler system in the backyard, the grass grew lusher and has even begun to spread. We learned quickly that the grass is greener when it’s watered.

 Over the years, we’ve witnessed lush marriages of others wither and die. It’s heartbreaking to see many spend more effort caring for their yard then on their relationship. To remain green, a marriage, too, needs to be fed and watered on a regular basis. Someone else can’t be hired to take care of it; both husband and wife must work to maintain it.

How can you keep yours green?

·        Water it with service-
Without being asked, do something for your spouse. Fill the car with gas, clean the kitchen, mow the yard. Find something that makes their life a little easier and do it well—without expecting anything, including thanks, in return.

·        Water it with praise-
Make it a habit to speak well of your spouse to them and to others. Be their biggest cheerleader and number one fan. Make sure that they know you believe in them and their dreams.

·        Water it with affection-
Human touch is both healing and bonding. Studies show it even reduces the negative effects of stress. Hug each other, hold hands, and kiss one another-not just hello or good-bye. And be sure that they know you love them. Speak the words.

·        Water it with prayer-
Prayer is the most nourishing water of all so use it freely. Pray, not for God to change them, but for their protection, direction, and wisdom. Pray that God makes you into everything they need in a spouse in order to become the person God intended them to be.

 Lesson for the Journey:

Grass soon withers and dies without refreshing water. So, too, it is with marriage. Don’t go in search of greener pastures. Nourish the one you have. The grass is always greener where it’s watered.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. “
Eph. 4:32

©Ann Wilds

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