Have you ever been driving somewhere not really paying full attention to the road signs, and then you realize that you missed your turn, or you drove right past the place you were supposed to be going to?
Watch the signs
Road signs can be very helpful. They warn you of possible dangerous situations, they let you know if there is a gas station, hotel, or restaurant nearby. Street signs help you find a certain address, etc. Imagine if we didn’t have any road signs. If people could just go as fast as they want, turn wherever they want, etc. Imagine if there weren’t any signs warning you that there is a bump in the road or road work being done ahead etc. If there were no street signs it would be almost impossible to get where you want to go, or even to get your mail.
This can also be applied to marriage. While you are “traveling” down this marriage “road” look out for the signs along the way. You will get direction from your spouse about what they like, don’t like, etc. You need to decide together which direction you’re heading as a married couple. You can’t expect that if you’re taking a road going in the opposite direction of your spouse, that you’ll just somehow come back together later on down the road. So you need to follow a common road together.
Look out for the “signs” that may be warning of danger in your marriage. A sign may be that you don’t feel close or as close with your partner as before. Take the time to find out why. Maybe you have let family and friends come in between you. Maybe you would rather just “hang out with the guys” or the girls if you’re a woman. If this is happening or you notice that you are getting closer to anyone more than your spouse, then you need to pull over, figure out where you got lost and get back on track. Remember that your spouse should also be your best friend.
Understand the signs
The signs could also be letting you know that you are too busy. Maybe you’re spending too much time at work, or too much time in church related ministries, etc. If you do not have enough time to be close to your spouse, you are too busy. Take time with your spouse to figure out what you can do to lessen the amount of things you’re doing and spend some quality closeness time together.
The warning sign could also be that your kids are becoming more important to you than your spouse. Children are very important and we are definitely not trying to tell you not to make them important. They need to be loved, taken care of, and in a happy, healthy, stable environment with two committed parents. But your children should not take the place of your spouse. And your children will actually feel happier, safer, more content, etc. if they know that their parents have a happy stable marriage.
Be careful how you talk about your spouse around your kids as well. If you have a misunderstanding try to keep focused on the issue and how it can best work out for both of you. Don’t resort to name calling and character attacks, etc. If your children hear you doing this to your spouse, it will lessen their respect, not only for the spouse, but for you as well. So be respectful of each other and try to work towards finding a solution and not just arguing. And then your kids will know that even though you may have misunderstandings at times, you always work them out in a respectful manner.
Conclusion
So look out for the warning signs, directional signs, and other signs that will come along the way in your marriage. They will help you avoid a lot of pitfalls. And if you get lost, don’t be afraid to “pull over, look at a map” and figure out how to get back on track.
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