Keep Showing Up summary

When we first fall in love with the man we'll eventually marry, there's a rush of discovery, as we learn all about their different experiences and perspectives. But for some reason, we expect those differences to lessen over time as we become one unit. That's a mistake. We should embrace those differences and use them to examine our own preconceived notions. Just because his ideas are different, it doesn't make them wrong.

The key message here is: "Different" is not the same thing as "wrong."

When we first get together with our boyfriend-then-husband, every day feels like an adventure. We're excited by each new discovery. Whether we're learning about each other's past or making new memories together, we're happy just to spend time with the other person. But that early infatuation is just one of the forms love takes, and it doesn't last forever. A successful marriage is built on a foundation of love that evolves over time.

The key message here is: Love takes different forms. Its first form is temporary and must evolve, or it will die.

Every marriage is a unique blend of the fantastic and the frustrating. Sure, it's great that he took you out to dinner at a fancy restaurant and you both had a wonderful time. But it doesn't mean you've forgotten that argument you had over breakfast about picking up the kids from school. When things get hard, it's all too easy to dwell on the bad times. 

Instead, we need to intentionally focus on – and be truly thankful for – the good times we've had. Then, we can learn to reframe the bad times in a fresh and different light. Sound impossible? It really isn't.

Have you ever been afraid that maybe you and your husband just aren't in love anymore? It's a very common fear. But often when you're thinking that way, you're comparing your current situation to that exciting honeymoon period. Like we just learned, those early days of passion are not going to last forever. You can't turn back the clock and experience it all over again. But you can learn to recognize the signs of love and romance that have been there all along.

The key message here is: We can't go back in time and recreate that first excitement of falling in love, but we can keep discovering new things about our spouse.

Sometimes it can be hard to focus on the good times and all of our husband's positive attributes. No matter how hard we try to avoid it, trouble always comes knocking at our doors. The good news is that God is in our corner at all times – especially when we're at our lowest point.

The key message here is: Our difficulties are opportunities to seek strength and guidance from God.

Remember earlier we talked about marriage being designed to be an illustration of the relationship between Christ and the church? That means that you and your husband are constantly preaching a sermon to the people around you, just by going about your lives! But to truly live that life to its fullest, why not take it a step further? 

The key message in this blink is: The marriage covenant can be a powerful tool to make positive changes in your community.