I recently watched a video with Jim Daly and his wife Jean.   Jim is the President of Focus on the Family whom I have always enjoyed listening especially when he had Jean on as a guest. Giving the wife a chance to tell her side of the story is always fun. They were asked during a conference to give their best marriage advice. Jim quickly deferred this question to Jean to answer. Well done Jim 🙂  Jean had 4 marriage tips in 4 minutes !

A few of the responses resonated with Katie and I so I thought I would comment on a few of them and share the video.

1. Do not expect your spouse to fulfill all your needs. that is God’s job. Many of us have probably been guilty of this at one time or another, as it’s easy to get our priorities out of order. I know I have. I have always seen Katie as a gift from God—a blessing in every way, including helping to bring me closer to Him, just as I did for her. Our relationship was supernatural in many aspects. We prayed together, read the Bible together, and felt that God spoke to us on a few occasions together. For me, God was intricately woven into the bond between Katie and me, and without noticing, I occasionally lost focus on Him and concentrated more on her.
2. Do not expect your spouse to be a mind reader.  This has been one of my biggest struggles with Katie over the years because when it comes to matters of the heart, she doesn’t communicate.  Katie is unquestionably what I lack, so I need her input on the things in my life where I fall short.  I have asked her countless times, “What do you want?” or even “What can I do to be a better husband,” and all I hear is silence.  Clear and open communication is essential in any relationship. Expecting someone—especially a spouse—to read your mind can lead to frustration and misunderstandings on both sides. It’s much more effective to express your needs directly by saying, “I need help with this,” or “I’m feeling overwhelmed,” rather than hoping the other person will notice and respond. Honest conversations foster connection, while guesswork only complicates things.
3. Demonstrate to your spouse that you will never give up on them. All couples experience moments of feeling inadequate or like they are failing each other. As a partner, it’s your responsibility to assure them that you are committed to them no matter what challenges arise. Divorce should never be considered an option, even if society often promotes it. Make sure your spouse understands that you are a team and that you will be together until the end of your lives.
4. God brings two opposites together. During our time dating, Katie and I consistently sought information about God’s plan for marriage, and we feel He provided everything we needed. Many people believe that compatibility is based on “sameness,” but that’s actually the opposite of the truth. Katie and I are polar opposites, and that difference is a wonderful aspect of our relationship. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s always easy. Jimmy Evans does an excellent job explaining how God designed us to seek out someone different and emphasizes the importance of learning to serve that difference.

Here is the original 4 marriage tips in 4 minutes video.  Give it a watch !  Video