5 Ways To Protect Your Marriage

Marriage is a covenant that is particularly vulnerable to the cunning ways of the evil one. He can sneak in when you least expect it, slowly eating away at the union that threatens his plans the most. 
 
My husband and I have been focusing on our marriage more lately. Our children are getting older and we realized the daily grind of life over the last 20 years has caused some of the habits of our early years as a couple to go by the wayside.
 
However, it is these very habits that ward off the unseen force that is constantly watching for our weak moments. Small habits, when implemented consistently, minimize our weak moments and strengthen our union against the wedge the devil would like to drive between us. 

 
Here are some habits that have made my husband’s and my marriage stronger than ever: 

Pray together as a couple every day. 
 

Before the end of our day, my husband and I kneel at the foot of our bed and take a few minutes to pray together. Sometimes we give thanks for the events of our day, sometimes we pray for a special intention, and sometimes it is just a simple Hail Mary or Glory Be. There are many wonderful prayer books for couples available as well. Choose something that is in your comfort zone as a couple, expect that it will feel challenging at times, but persevere and begin or end your day bonded as one with God.  

Sit next to each other at Mass.
 

I thought this would only make it more difficult to manage our youngest children during Mass, but they actually behave better when my husband and I are sitting next to each other. The awareness of two parents who are united in their love for each other and for God gives grace and a sense of stability to the whole family—which makes everyone feel more settled.  

Review NFP charts together regularly.
 

It’s easy to get lazy with charting and communicating about charts after many years, but the physical union between husband and wife is a core part of marriage. Lack of communication in this area can lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and a loss of appreciation for the beauty of Natural Family Planning and all that it teaches about the way a married couple should relate to one another. Reviewing charts together is a very powerful way to instantly grow closer.  

Communicate about everything.
 

While we don’t lose our individual identities as married people, all of our decisions and pursuits in life are meant to be with the best interest of our spouse in mind. This beautiful vocation gives us a helpmate—someone who is always there to confide in, talk to, and seek guidance from in our pursuit of holiness. There are prudent times to bring up sensitive subjects, work-related issues, or child-rearing issues, but we are never meant to intentionally hide anything from our spouse. That person is our soft place to land and the one God gave us to turn to in times of joy, sorrow, or confusion.  

Get away as a couple.

 
My husband and I have a goal of a weekly date night and two overnight couples getaways per year. This is easier to do now that our children are older, but setting some sort of habit that provides regular time as a couple without the distraction of children is extremely important. If our marriage is strong, our family will be strong. Our children love it when we get away for dates and overnight trips because they see us return happier and stronger. And there’s nothing better than for a child to see two parents deeply in love with and dedicated to each other and to God.