Love That Heals and Strengthens

I love that Monday comes right after Sunday. Sunday helps us pause, reset, and realign our priorities with the Lord. Then Monday gives us a fresh start to put those priorities into action in our marriages and families.

This week, my heart has been reflective. My oldest brother (21 years older than me—I’m the youngest of six) had a bike accident and broke his femur. Just six months ago, another family member suffered a broken neck. When these things happen, life seems to come to a sudden halt—almost like a forced Sunday. We are slowed down, our calendars change, and our focus shifts to what matters most.

As I’ve reflected on this, gratitude has been filling my heart. Gratitude for medical professionals, for living in a place where help is accessible. Gratitude for marriage and family. Gratitude that my husband can do what he loves—farming and coaching basketball—and that I’ve had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom and now a marriage coach.

In our 30 years of marriage, we’ve walked through many challenges—accidents, stitches, broken bones, crop years with low water or low prices. Each season has forced us to slow down, reflect, and recommit to what’s most important. And in marriage, just like in farming, there’s a beautiful cycle: planting, growing, harvest. Along the way, there are unexpected storms, setbacks, and adjustments. But none of it is wasted. Even broken bones, when healed, come back stronger.

Marriage is much the same. It’s not meant to be trial-free. Sometimes things feel “broken” and in need of healing. Other times, life feels good and abundant. Both seasons are part of the adventure, and both help us grow stronger together.

I love how author Elsie Benedict describes love:

“Loving and being loved is the supreme human experience. Under its magic influence, we become changed beings—happier, stronger, sweeter, better. Without it we weaken and disintegrate. Its effect on health and achievement is immeasurable. Many have attained mediocre success without visible love, but none ever achieved greatness without a great love.”

She also wrote:

“Love begets love. It is practically impossible to resist people who truly and deeply love us, and who self-sacrificingly continue to shower that love upon us.”

That’s the heart of marriage. We endure, we push through, and we come out stronger because of love. Love makes the hard times worth it. Love turns the ordinary into something beautiful.

This Week’s Challenge 💛

Take a moment today to reflect on three reasons you are grateful to be married to your spouse. Then, share those reasons with them. Gratitude softens our hearts, strengthens our love, and reminds us why we chose each other.

Marriage is a privilege—let’s enjoy it and treasure it together.