The Value of Youthfulness in Marriage

The value of youthfulness means vigorous and fresh; vibrant; associated with health and physical attractiveness.

Marriage Questions:

• When was the last time you showed your affection to your spouse in the same way you did when you were first married?
• Are you excited about an upcoming event you’re planning with your spouse? How are you showing it?
• What actions are you taking to preserve youthfulness in your marriage?

Yesterday’s Youthfulness = Tomorrow’s Promise

If you’ve been married for a few years, have you managed to maintain some youthfulness in your marriage? Remember back when you believed you could accomplish anything, if you put your mind to it, and your life was perfect because you found the love of your life?

So what’s changed?

The daily pressures of a job? The responsibility for others (spouse, kids, extended family, etc.)? The normal struggles of life (staying healthy, paying the bills, etc.)? I think singer/songwriter Darryl Worley states it best with his song: Sounds like life to me. When you first met your spouse, I suspect you didn’t allow “life” to get in the way of enjoying time with each other. So why allow it now?

The secret to youthfulness is taking action.

As I referenced in a previous Values Quote on the value of happiness, Benjamin Disraeli clearly stated: “Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.” The same is true with youthfulness.

So if you’re thinking about doing something special for your spouse, go do it. If you’re considering buying something or planning a surprise for your spouse, go do it.  If you feel like giving your spouse a hug and a kiss, go do it. Now.

As a personal example, I know a youthful couple that have been married for over 55 years. They don’t hesitate to take action. About 10 years ago, they decided to try something new for the first time. They went whitewater-rafting. How many couples do you know will attempt whitewater-rafting – in their 70’s? What’s neat is that they continue to take action by doing things together.

As my friend Trey Baker often states: “action is where the miracle happens.” This is also true for preserving youthfulness in marriage.

How can the value of youthfulness help improve your marriage and the lives of others?

 

Today’s value was selected from the “Enthusiasm-Teamwork” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.