If you don’t know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else. - Yogi Berra
A great marriage doesn’t happen by accident. In fact, to survive amidst all the pressures, responsibilities, duties, obligations, troubles and dangers of life, a marriage today must be more proactive and more intentional than ever before.
One of the most powerful ways to have a strong marriage is to “dream” together. All successful couples are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose.
Perhaps this is exactly what’s missing in marriage today and why many couples don’t make it. They have no vision, shared dreams or common goals. And without this kind of guiding vision, couples become easy targets for disappointment, temptation, conflict, boredom and confusion. Sometimes the only thing that gets us through today is the hope tomorrow holds. When tomorrow feels hopeless, the problems of today consume us and can destroy our relationships.
This is why there is power in shared dreams. The desire for a future together is a key component of commitment. While many couples may “expect” to stay together, dedicated couples, who share a vision of the future, “want” to stay together. Making future plans and setting goals together is one of the ways that you can keep your marriage strong and satisfying for both people. It helps you to learn more about one another and keeps both of you on the same page. Shared dreams inspire hope and hope stimulates planning. Planning produces behavior designed to move you forward. The end result is positive progress in a marriage relationship. Finally, dreaming and envisioning inspires romance. Find a couple who dreams about their future together and you’ll find a couple who is deeply in love!
“Magnificent marriages involve two people who dream magnificently. The partners encourage each other to dig deeper and dream bigger, and in the process they get in touch with a level of being and doing that otherwise would be far beyond them.” - Neil Clark Warren
Do you have any idea what dreams might be tucked away in your spouse’s heart? Have you spent time talking about your future together? Do you have common goals, hopes and dreams that you are both working towards? Do you know where you want your marriage to be 5, 10, or 30 years from now? Every couple needs to have a vision for their future and they need to keep that vision up to date and carefully focused.
There is something magical about dreaming together. There is something passionate about working together to unlock those dreams and turn them into reality. And no matter where your marriage is at today, any investment you make in building a great dream for you and your spouse will pay enormous dividends. The best marriages involve two people who have a well-formed vision of the life they are pursuing together. Perhaps you should have a dream conversation with your spouse this week. It’s never too late to set another goal or to dream a new dream!
Before Your Adventure
Step 1
You Pick
Take turns each month picking your unique marriage adventure destination. Remember, rather than visiting the same familiar locations and doing the same old routines, try something new and different!
Step 2
Table For Two
This is an "optional" step depending on your budget! If you decide to eat out, try out some different Northwest Arkansas restaurants.
Step 3
You Are Cordially Invited
Formally invite your beloved on a fun adventure and put the date on your respective calendars.
Step 4
Step 5
Date Guide
Don't forget to make a copy of your date guide for this month's adventure.
