Marriage is a serious commitment. In our church we believe that marriage lasts forever and that we can be with our families in heaven. It is not a decision to take lightly or to make too quickly. It is a decision that should be made with prayer and fasting. Once you are married it is important to give everything you can to the help make the relationship to work. (I am not advocating staying in an abusive relationship by any means.) Every couple will have times when they struggle and times when they are doing well.
Marriage is something that you need to work on day in and day out. That is one reason the church leaders are so adamant that couples take the time to nourish their relationship. It is important to spend time together on a regular basis. You should talk to your spouse about your joys and concerns. Your spouse should be the first one you confide in.
At times you must put up boundaries to protect your marriage. This may mean protecting date night or cutting back on activities with extended family or friends. It may mean that you establish times that will be just for the family or for the couple on a regular basis. It can be difficult when one spouse travels for work, but if you make the time to talk to each other every day your relationship will stay strong.
On a personal note, I will be celebrating my eighth anniversary tomorrow. I am truly grateful for my husband. We have had our ups and downs, but overall we have had eight wonderful years. I know the importance of nourishing our relationship and taking time for each other. I can honestly say that I love him more now than I did when we first got married.
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