Life is built on relationships. This is an age where it’s easier and more convenient to maintain our connections than ever before. We are, it seems, without excuse for widening and deepening our friendships.
And yet…
So many of our relationships can be superficial. We may consider our colleagues or the guys at the sports club to be friends, much like our school mates and others from an increasingly distant past. But, the truth be told, we don’t really know many of them. We know about them and as much as we enjoy their company, when we or they move on, that’s the end of it. There’s often disappointingly little depth to our relationships.
A marriage should be much more than a legal construct enabling two people to live in exclusively close proximity. It is the joining of two individuals into a single unit; a physical, mental and emotional joining, even a spiritual element too.
So how do we develop a deeper level of connection with our spouse? How do we build a relationship that is more meaningful than with the person in the next cubicle? It won’t happen by chance. We must intentionally cultivate our friendship.
Gratitude; it’s so simple and yet immensely powerful. Focus on the things that draw you together and promote positive emotions rather than those that come between you and divide you. Take time together at the end of each day, reflect on the day that was, talk about the joys and enjoy the positives. Like countless tiny threads, each moment of gratitude binds your hearts together.
Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. – Charles Dickens
Sure, I don’t always feel like being grateful either. But even in the darkest times there is much to be grateful for. When health fails, jobs disappear and doubts and uncertainty vie for our attention there is still much to be grateful for.
Take time together to appreciate what you do have, not rue what you don’t.
