My wife is eight months older than I. No one believes this. You see the two of us together and one of us looks like George Burns, and the other looks like my wife. Someone asked her, “Is it your dad who writes those books?” Guess what she said? “Yes.” I was surprised too. Pray for her.
One day she looked at my balding head and said, “When I agreed to grow old with you, I didn’t mean this rapidly.” Somehow we’ve managed to stay married a long time. It’s a miracle really. Of course, marriage hasn’t been a walk in the park. Especially if I say things like, “Your lasagna tastes almost as good as my mother’s.” Don’t say this, guys. I’ve heard a ton of marriage advice. One guy told me, “I have a choice, I can be right or be happy.” Catherine Zeta-Jones said, “For marriage to be a success, every woman and every man should have his or her own bathroom.” My secret to a happy marriage is simpler. If you want something in your account, make deposits. Invest. Here are three deposits we’ve made.
1. We laugh together. It is impossible to be angry while laughing together. Sometimes the impetus for that laugh is a movie, a memory, or a touching moment where I accidentally walk into a tree.
2. We pray together. According to one study, couples who pray together regularly report “the most satisfying marriages of all.” Prayer unites us before God. It boosts honesty and humility. It deepens our communication. Lately Ramona and I have been thanking God for His amazing grace. For taking two selfish kids who hardly knew how to spell love and pulling them close to Himself and close to each other. Jude verse 20 says, “But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
3. We play together. Whatever your age, keep a playful spirit. Make fun a part of your daily routine. Ramona loves to get silly notes from me. Like one I attached to a bag of peanuts one time. It said, “I hope you like these, my dear. Sorry. I sucked the chocolate off.”
That reminds me of the guy who came home to find a note next to a Nerf gun. It read, “Welcome home babe. I’m hiding in the house with a Nerf gun, here’s the other one. Loser cooks dinner. May the odds be ever in your favour.” What are some investments you’re making in your relationship account?
Want to read more from Phil?
#Unplugged
Years ago, my son told me about something called Facebook. I said, “That’s the dumbest idea since the pogo stick….
Plugged In
Back to School? Make sure you’re connected to the right source When the school year begins, I like to recall…
Faithful Furry Friend
Marks on a tattered measuring chart in our pantry are proof: children grow up fast. Most nights Mojo the faithful…