When you first start dating someone, you are so intentional about the relationship. You make every effort to always look your best, say the right things, like what they like, learn everything you can about them, spend as much time together as possible, and impress them. During those dating years, you go above and beyond for your relationship as does the other person, which is why you are on cloud nine, madly in love.

As time goes on though we get comfortable and stop trying so hard. The intentionality and effort go out the window as time goes on and life gets crazy, and then we wonder why our relationship isn’t what it once was. You get out of it what you put into it, and unfortunately as time goes on, we often put in a whole lot less to our marriage. If we want to keep things lively, fresh, and exciting though, we have to maintain that intentionality and spirit of always working hard for our spouse & relationship.

One way to keep things alive and exciting is to play together. I have said it many times, but it’s true. Playing together elicits laughter, fun, memories, and friendship. Playing together is a way to connect in a way that strengthens the friendship and foundation of you marriage. Doing fun things together keeps you from getting bogged down by life and the stresses that come with it. Laughter is like medicine and can just melt the stress away. There’s nothing like a good laugh. Maybe it’s been so long since you have laughed or played together that you wouldn’t know where to start. Get back to when you were laughing and playing…what were you doing then? Do those things again. What did you do when you dated? Do those things again. Playing together is one of the best things you can do to keep your marriage thriving!

Another great way to maintain that marital strength is to pray. Pray together, pray for yourself, pray for your marriage, pray for your life, pray for your goals, pray for anything & everything. Prayer is such an intimate thing to share with your spouse, and it’s a wonderful time to keep in perspective who is really in control…God. There is no doubt in my mind, the glue in our marriage is God, and we include Him as much as possible. Try praying to the one who created & designed marriage for the ability to have the best marriage possible.

Marriages cannot survive let alone thrive on autopilot. They need constant tender love and care. It’s a daily thing. It’s an intentional thing. Don’t let time tear your marriage apart; grow together!

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