HOW TO LOVE YOUR SPOUSE FOR BETTER OR WORSE

We looked So young and fresh!!! 

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Remember back to the day you got married? Think back to some of your most cherished moments and I am more than positive you will end up with a smile upon your face. 

Marriage is one of those things that takes patience, time and lots of love. In today's world it seems that everyone spends SO much time and money for the actual event they forget to think about the road that leads beyond that day. If you are married--you know what I'm talking about--every day is not sunshine and rainbows. 

Marriage with three children under the age of three is not easy! Heck, parenting three children under the age of three is no easy feat, my husband and I constantly find ourselves wondering if what we are doing is right with our busy little family--let alone taking the time to think about our MARRIAGE! I do feel that in order to feel successful with your parenting you NEED to be successful in your marriage. Meaning you NEED to make and take the time to deepen that bond; it isn't something that 'just happens'. 

My husband and I have been doing a weekly Couples Devotional, in order to strengthen our marriage through this trying season of parenthood. It focuses on roughly 30 minutes a week; you and your spouse read a few pages and reflect. It is one of those things, easy to do, yet easy not to do either. If you feel you need some extra support with your marriage or want to reconnect with your spouse I highly recommend this book #staymarried A Couple's Devotional: 30-Minute Weekly Devotions to Grow in Faith and Joy from I Do to Ever After by Michelle Peterson. 

One of my FAVORITE reminders from the book this last week was re-reading those vows: "I take you my beloved, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish all the days of my life." Maybe it wasn't those EXACT words but to some extent--we all promised the same thing amiright?! 

And THAT is the kicker--For BETTER or for WORSE--you STILL have to love your husband/wife on their WORST days, the hardest days. You vowed to love them when they are not their happiest or in their most pleasant mood. You have to be there to love them when they don't believe in themselves. You vowed to love them when they are dishonest, rude and selfish. We committed to take each other on those moments on our wedding day and through all the seasons of change that will take place in a marriage. Some of those seasons are HARD; it isn't always easy--but you CAN withstand!

We really do learn during marriage more about the true nature of God and his ability to be gracious, forgiving and patient. We always HOPE for better, but it is through the WORSE we really discover our capacity to love. 

So go and love on your husband today---Give him a reminder of what you LOVE about him as a husband and a spouse--not just a parent! And NOT just on Valentines Day--Re-commit to those vows and promise to remind your husband/partner/spouse/wife that you love them EVERY DAY--for better or for worse. Bring him back to your wedding day and relive those most cherished wedding day moments. 

XO

Kaitlin