Marriage can be a beautiful journey, but it’s not without its challenges. When attacks of the enemy arise, it can feel like the peace in your home is under attack. In these moments, we have to ask ourselves, who are we fighting?
Great article Chris! I love your transparency around this topic. My wife and I also have periods of "intense fellowship." More intense than I think we should have after 29 years, but you hit on the key.... THIS ->"What I can tell you is that we’ve learned how to fight and how to reconcile." This is crucial to having a healthy marriage.... (Btw.... Love your graphics too!)
You're welcome, Lauren. So much of what I write relates to the season that I'm in. Whether I've witnessed the behaviors personally or those I mentor, I'm grateful to share with others. 😊
I like this...we were a military family for 20 years and have encountered all of the "threats" in our 44 years of marriage (my wife says there were 6-7 marriage relationships during that period, speaking to the need to adjust to keep aligned through many life transitions), but communication was key. We needed outside help there, and a year with our associate pastor 25 years ago, helped us move forward for the long term. My wife and I are almost completely opposite in personality, but have been able to establish patterns of communication to keep us on the same page. Very helpful was an annual "business meeting" where we talked about our personal, family, financial, professional and spiritual goals for the coming year, with semi-annual updates.
Great article Chris! I love your transparency around this topic. My wife and I also have periods of "intense fellowship." More intense than I think we should have after 29 years, but you hit on the key.... THIS ->"What I can tell you is that we’ve learned how to fight and how to reconcile." This is crucial to having a healthy marriage.... (Btw.... Love your graphics too!)
Thanks, Brian! Fighting and reconciling well has been the “secret sauce” for us.
I'm not married, but I found a lot of what you shared helpful for friendships in general. Thanks for sharing, Pastor McKinney!
You're welcome, Lauren. So much of what I write relates to the season that I'm in. Whether I've witnessed the behaviors personally or those I mentor, I'm grateful to share with others. 😊
I like this...we were a military family for 20 years and have encountered all of the "threats" in our 44 years of marriage (my wife says there were 6-7 marriage relationships during that period, speaking to the need to adjust to keep aligned through many life transitions), but communication was key. We needed outside help there, and a year with our associate pastor 25 years ago, helped us move forward for the long term. My wife and I are almost completely opposite in personality, but have been able to establish patterns of communication to keep us on the same page. Very helpful was an annual "business meeting" where we talked about our personal, family, financial, professional and spiritual goals for the coming year, with semi-annual updates.
We struggle with #6.
I hear that, Scott. Praying you both find the space to make those important connections.