One Thing to Grow Your Marriage Each DaySýnishorn

Romance does not have to fade

Devotional Content: 

Does romance have to fade over time in a marriage? This notion that marital romance gradually dies over time is a “cultural truth” that becomes like a self-fulfilling prophecy when we accept it as fact. We get married, and the romance is good. After a few years (usually when kids come into the picture), it begins to fade. We think the fading romance is the norm, so we accept it and move on. We might think about the “good old days” when the fire was lit, but now we think it would take too much work to rekindle the fire. 

Today I want to blow that “cultural truth” out of the water. Romance does not have to fade. In fact, I have counseled many couples who would say the romance in their marriage has grown over the years. Maybe we need to stop and define romance. Romance is not sex, but sex can become romantic. Romance happens when a husband and wife are purposeful about finding ways to express their love for each other every day. It may involve nonsexual touching, helping around the house, or making alone time for each other a priority. When we consistently do things like these, the sex will take care of itself. So whether you have been married one year, five years, or fifty years, if the romance has died, it is time to get the shock paddles and bring it back to life!

Today’s One Thing: Write down two things you think are romantic and share them with your spouse.