New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. Every year, millions of people set out to make a change in their lifestyle that improves them in one form or another. Yes, the New Year's Resolution is a time to reflect on the changes you want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Things like get into shape, lose some weight, work less, enjoy life more, get out of debt, learn something new or spend more time with family and friends are among the most popular. Yet, sadly, recent research shows only 12% actually achieved these new goals.
As you think about your New Year’s resolutions, we want to encourage you to make your marriage the highest priority in your life.
And yet, finding time to nurture your marriage amid the noise and busyness of life can be a difficult task. Life is so stressful, busy, and pressured. We get so caught up in our career, children, obligations, chauffeuring the kids, sitting in bleachers watching our children play, answering e-mails, making meetings, handling the finances, and scheduling appointments that our day often feels overwhelming. By the time evening arrives, both spouses are usually exhausted and in need of some alone time or sleep! And even though we know how important our marriage is, this relationship often becomes neglected in the midst of our busy lives. It is essential to a healthy marriage that your time together be a priority.
The wedding ceremony doesn’t magically transform us into married people. Instead, being married is a lifelong process—one that we must commit ourselves to again and again. Marriage has no automatic pilot. You can’t flick on a switch and lean back and forget about it. You have to stay at the controls, making adjustments, making it work. Every day you have to decide to love your spouse. But the plain fact is that most of us get so caught up in all the other demands that our marriage and the quality of our togetherness fall to the bottom of our “to do” list.
How important is your marriage in your life? Does your spouse have your heart or is it invested elsewhere? Is your marriage more important to you than your job, your kids, your friends or your hobbies? Do you put in the effort that shows your marriage is a top priority to you?
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.
