Marriage is a beautiful gift from God, but it requires effort and intentionality to thrive. Life can get busy, and when it does, it’s easy for our marriages to fall to the wayside. However, even when life gets chaotic, there are simple habits that we can cultivate to keep our marriages strong. Here are five habits to help you do just that:

1. Make Time for Each Other

One of the most important things you can do to keep your marriage strong is to make time for each other. Even when life is busy, carving out time for your spouse communicates that they are a priority to you. This doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Date nights out can be hard to schedule, especially with little ones at home. Keep it simple! Sit down for dinner together, take a walk around the block, or watch a favorite movie together once the kids are in bed.

2. Communicate Openly and Honestly

Communication is key to any relationship, and this is especially true in marriage. Make it a habit to communicate openly and honestly with your spouse, even when it’s difficult. Take time to listen to their thoughts, feelings, and concerns, and express your own in a respectful and loving way.

3. Practice Forgiveness

No marriage is perfect, and there will be times when one or both of you will make mistakes. It’s important to practice forgiveness and extend grace to your spouse when they fall short. This doesn’t mean sweeping things under the rug or ignoring problems, but rather choosing to forgive and work through issues together.

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4. Show Appreciation

We all need to feel appreciated, and this is especially true in marriage. Make it a habit to regularly show appreciation to your spouse, whether through a kind word, a small gift, or an act of service. These little gestures can go a long way in strengthening your relationship.

5. Pray Together

As Christians, prayer is a powerful tool for strengthening our relationships. Make it a habit to pray together as a couple, whether it’s before bed or in the morning before starting your day. This is a great opportunity to lift up your marriage to God, seek His guidance and wisdom, and grow together in your faith.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Even when life gets busy, and we all know it’s extra busy with kids, there are simple habits that we can cultivate to keep our marriages strong. By making time for each other, communicating openly and honestly, practicing forgiveness, showing appreciation, and praying together, we can build a marriage that glorifies God in all things we do. Remember, our children learn from example. Let your marriage be the guide for their future marriages.