When we were engaged, the pastor who was marrying us gave us an assignment. He asked us to list five priorities that we had for our marriage. He also asked us to keep them somewhere that we could refer to them throughout our marriage. The point was this, it would help us keep on track for what we wanted out of our marriage and family. It would also serve as a help when we had decisions to make. (On a side note: when making a decision it should line up with God's word, have confirming circumstances, Godly council, and peace. Don't make a decision simply because it is in line with your priorities). For example, our family and having family time is a huge priority to us. We just turned down a job 1. b/c we didn't have peace that the Lord was leading us there and 2.because it meant that my husband would be away from the house almost all of the kid's waking hours. It didn't line up with what we wanted with our family. This priority has also helped in making several evening decisions and how we spend our time.
We have refined our priorities along the way (b/c we didn't know what we didn't know as singles; oh, and we lost the original list) and along the way , we have refined what they look like practically. For instance, one of our priorities is to have a warm and welcoming home. However, what I thought that looked like and what Jamison thought that looked like were two different things. We have spent some time together fleshing out what that means and how we are going to do that.
In our short six and half years of marriage, this has been a valuable exercise to us.
Linking up to We are That Family: Works for Me Wednesday
Great post. Everyone should do this. We've been married almost 13 years and have never actually written down a list but this is something we discuss often so we are on the same page. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great assignment, probably one every couple should do even if they are already married. Being on the same page as your spouse is so important. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete