This summer John and I will celebrate 49 years of marriage. It seems to have gone by way too fast, but with 5 married kids and 21 grand children we haven’t had much time to notice the pace. We are simply thankful. Today we are most grateful for our sweet companionship.
No, our marriage isn’t perfect. We still fight and we still have to forgive–frequently. But the years of pressing together through challenges and blessings have produced a stronger blend of oneness.
Renewing our vows on our 40th Anniversary
Recently I jotted down 8 ingredients that have helped me as a wife to grow in my marriage.
1. Recognize that no man can love you as much as you want to be loved.
Only God can. Run to him first. Spend time in His word and in prayer. It will relieve the pressure on your marriage.
2. Have a few close girl friends with whom you can share your heart.
These should be women who are for your marriage, always pushing you to Christ and towards your husband.
3. Refuse the temptation to “emotionally withdraw”.
And you will be tempted–many times. Recognize it, resist it and instead do whatever it takes to grow closer to one another.
4. Pray daily for your husband
Pray for God to bless him, for him to know how much God loves him, for his professional needs, and for God to give him some Christian guy friends.
5. Make time with him a priority.
Put him before the kids. Establish a regular date and keep it.
6. Hit the “delete button” on your mental list of the things he does wrong.
Instead ask God to remind you of one trait you appreciate in him every day. Occasionally tell him. This is your daily marriage vitamin.
7. Do fun, silly, new things together and nurture laughter.
(See photo below for reference)
8. Be quick to ask for forgiveness and to forgive, even if you don’t feel like it or want to.
Healing takes time but the healing process begins with forgiveness.
Marriage is a gift. Your husband is a gift. And with God at the center of your union you can grow closer as the years increase.
The picture at the top was taken on our 40th anniversary when we surprised our kids at our Family Camp by re-doing our vows. Next year we’ll hit the big 50 and we are open to any and all suggestions!
Originally Posted at MomLife Today
Republished at Club31Women
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We too, would love suggestions as we will hit the 50 yr mark next June 14th, Lord willing!
Great Linda. Keep in touch and I’ll let you know what we hear!
Blessings, Susan
Joanna,
thanks so much for writing! We just with we lived closer to you!
Hugs, Susan
I always love your advice!
Hi Susan! You’re articles are such a blessing. Last weekend, our son Daniel got married! As he and Anna start their lives together, I will share the 8 ingredients article with them…relatable to them as much to us, after 33 years! How awesome to see all your grandkids! Can’t wait to start that journey. (:
BLessings to you and John.
Love, Kathy
Congratulations to Daniel. I heard from Kim Doerr how wonderful the wedding was!
Miss you all still!
Love, Susan
I’m impressed you can still fit in your wedding dress. We are on 46 too. I appreciated your 8 reminders on marriage. We need to work on a few of those.
The funny thing is that I couldn’t zip it up the back so was new style backless:)
love ya, Susan
I especially like that daily “vitamin” discipline…it is SO easy to focus on the negative! I needed to hear this today, Susan. I love you and all you are doing for the Kingdom. I want to grow up to be just like YOU! 🙂
I love you Susan Clarkson! I admire you so much and can’t wait to see in in SC sometime!