We gravitate toward relationships where we get connection, closeness, acceptance, and approval. An essential part of our human nature is the need to belong. God designed us to start in relationship and continue with relationships. How do we grow relationships with intention and attention?
Commitment. It’s not a word that is very popular today. Ads will frequently say: Free for 30 days. No commitment. No long term contract. This is a reflection of our culture as it celebrates the freedom of choice. However, on the topic of marriage relationships, commitment should be a treasured word. There is freedom in knowing that your life partner will stick with you for infinite days.
Over the years we have noticed that model homes and remodeled homes have a primary suite that is really quite impressive. There are walk-in closets, lots of space, spa-like bathrooms. The primary suite is huge; kids rooms are small. Emotionally & functionally, however, we find that kids tend to get the big rooms in our life. We neglect caring for the marriage room, and our marriage relationship becomes a hallway where we just pass through to take care of self, take a quick shower, take care of kids.
The idea of parents working together all of the time is a fantasy. I share this as an encouragement! Marv and I have been partners in parenting (and grand-parenting) for 50 years now, and we still have to work at this. We each have different skills sets and different approaches, and even now, I get surprised that we still have to work at parenting in unison.
