The Playground of Marriage - Crosswalk Couples Devotional - July 25

The Playground of Marriage
By Jennifer Waddle

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

Playgrounds have changed quite a bit over the years, and have become pretty fancy with new and innovative climbing, balancing, and spinning things. Some of the fun, modern equipment makes me want to be a kid again!

Growing up in the 70s and 80s, our playgrounds were much more basic. There was the merry-go-round, the teeter-totter, the monkey bars, and the slide. That was enough for our energetic little selves to have fun at recess and after school.

I’ve been thinking about that old playground equipment and some of the good times we had, but I also remember some of the not-so-fun moments, such as kids throwing up after riding the merry-go-round too long and kids breaking their arms after falling from the monkey bars.

I can’t help but liken these playground examples to marriage. For most, it’s all fun and games in the beginning. Spending time with our spouses is like going out to recess every day. Things work in tandem, nice and balanced.

Then, real life sets in and the playground of marriage isn’t so fun anymore. It gets harder and harder to relate, find balance, and have the energy to support each other. Some of us wake up one day to find that our teeter-totter is awfully one-sided. The merry-go-round has stopped spinning. And there is no one to help us cross the monkey bars safely to the other side.

If your marriage has lost its enjoyment, let me encourage you today. “Do not grow weary in doing good.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

No matter what the obstacles, I encourage you to show up on the playground of marriage every single day. Show your spouse that you are willing to push the merry-go-round, even when they’ve lost motivation. Invite them to join you on the teeter-totter of teamwork. Help them cross the monkey bars, even if they don’t seem to want your help.

Although these things are difficult to do, just showing up ready to participate in your marriage can make a big difference. And as you show up, pray for the excitement to be renewed. Ask the Lord to show you how to revitalize your relationship to spark that sense of wonder and enjoyment again.

Ultimately, my prayer for all of our marriages is that we won’t give up. Instead, I pray for a renewed sense of child-like wonder that says, “I can’t wait to spend time with my spouse today.”

Please don’t grow weary in doing good. God sees your efforts. He knows your challenges. And He is with you every moment.

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Jennifer Waddle considers herself a Kansas girl, married to a Colorado hunk, with a heart to encourage women everywhere. She is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.

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