Keys to a Stronger MarriageSample

# Live Together, Laugh Together One of the hardest things for couples to do is remember to have fun on a day-to-day basis. It’s so easy to fall into the routine of daily life and forget to enjoy the little moments with our spouse. So sometimes, it’s best to make your own special moments! For instance, even though we’re older, Dave and I still chase each other around the house. One time, a few years back, we were chasing each other through the house at night playing tag. I would run and tap him, then take off running and shout, “I got you last.” Then he would chase me and say, “I got you last.” And we’d keep going back and forth. Well, I ran outside, through the front door, and around our cul-de-sac. I was running as fast as I could go, then I turned to run back to the house. The overhead garage door was partially opened, but it was dark outside, so I couldn’t see that the dark brown door wasn’t opened all the way. I ran right into it, hitting the top of my head; the impact knocked me off my feet and cut my head open. Dave had to take me to the hospital to get stitches. So, there I was with a gash in my head, and they were probing for the story, “Honey, can you tell us what happened?” I said, “Well, we were playing, ‘I got you last.’” The nurse said, “You were doing what?” I said, “We were playing ‘I got you last.’ I was chasing him and he was chasing me. You know, ‘tag — you’re it, I got you last.’ Then I ran into the garage door.” She said, “I’ve worked here a long time, and I have seen every kind of situation. But we have never had a case of ‘I got you last.’” Couples need to take every opportunity available each day to laugh. Seize the moment, and make each other laugh about something. I was always so serious and sober—always trying to solve some problem. But I’ve learned to be more childlike and lighthearted. I encourage you to have fun and don’t be so serious all the time. Plan playtime together like you did as a kid. Begin looking for the humor in every situation and call it out at unexpected moments. Choose to laugh at yourself! Because when it comes to a healthy marriage, you can never, ever underestimate the power of simply laughing and having fun. Pray: “God, thank you for the little moments in life. When life gets tedious, please remind me to laugh and simply enjoy living with my spouse. Teach us to take breaks and play from time to time, and remember our sense of childlike wonder at Your creation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” #### Adapted from the book Making Marriage Work by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2000 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.