The Military And Your MarriageSample
Priority: Communication at Home
Devotional Content:
In this video, Mike and Lisa talk about making communication a priority. If you want to maintain good communication during times of separation, then it is essential to work on it during times together. The problems that I see military couples deal with are not that different than many of us deal with. Finding touch points during the day, listening well to each other and asking good questions are all part of growing that area of your marriage. The difference with military couples is that there is often a sense of urgency because of deployments or time away for training.
Here are three ways to make communication a priority in your marriage:
- Be intentional each day. Set aside time for just the two of you - even if it is only a few minutes.
- Find a common goal that the two of you can work on together.
- Use the STOP-LOOK-LISTEN tool to enhance your communication on important topics:
- STOP - Stop everything else you are doing and eliminate any distractions.
- LOOK - Sit face to face and look each other in the eyes.
- LISTEN - Listen well and then repeat back what you heard your spouse say to make sure you understand.
Today’s Challenge:
Practice using STOP-LOOK-LISTEN until you both become comfortable with it.
Going Deeper:
Agree on a set time each day that is just for the two of you to talk and be together and then follow through day after day.
Resource:
Marriage is hard and life is busy. Which is why we need real, practical reminders of ways to build an awesome marriage. Sign up for Dr. Kim’s One Thing Email to receive one thing to grow your marriage every day. Sign up here.
About this Plan
There are so many challenges that come at times of deployment or separation for military couples. In this series, Mike and Lisa Urrutia share openly and honestly about their experiences during Mike’s three deployments, and share practical advice in this plan by Dr. Kim Kimberling. Mike and Lisa have been married 10 years and met in a small group at their church.
More