Marriage Tuesday

over the past few days,  i have been reminded of one of the most basic building blocks of a strong marriage.

you need to have good friends.

marriages are designed to be shared.   within the context of healthy friendships,  communication grows…ideas are exchanged…hearts are opened…priorities are challenged.   other couples can provide a mirror for you to see your own partnership more clearly.

sharing life with good,  trusted friends who have similar values and interests can become the refining fire where depth and character are built.

there is no shortcut to healthy friendship between couples.   it requires a decision and the determination to make the time where there seems like none exists.   there will always be jobs and overtime and household demands and family expectations…not to mention the craziness that comes when kids pop on the scene.

but no matter what,  don’t sacrifice good friends.   and not the cheap,  shallow,  beer commercial kind.   you (and your marriage) need  friends that speak the truth…that get in your face…that challenge your decisions…that hold you accountable to god’s perspective and breathe hope into your future.

…not to mention friends that will share a ball game,   some good barbecue,  and laughter ’till it hurts.

does your marriage have those kinds of friendships?   if not,  get out of the marriage ghetto you’re building.

#friendship #marriage