Keep It Tight.

It was February 2015. We had been married seven months, sitting in the opening session of our church’s marriage ministry at the Balmoral Club. My Pastor greeted the couples and when he reached us, the youngest in the room, he said three words. “Keep this tight.” He added, “Whatever you do, make sure that this marriage is tight.”

I did not grasp the weight of those words that night but over time they stayed with me. They guided my conversations when emotions were high. They softened my tone when I wanted to be sharp. They shaped how I handled disappointment, how I apologized, and how I chose to see my husband through grace instead of frustration.

Eleven years later, I understand. If our marriage is tight, our family is tight. When we are good, our home is good. Our children rest easier and feel comfortable because our home is peaceful.

Scripture Reflection

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. And always be thankful.” ~ Colossians 3:14 - 15

Heart Truths

Keeping it tight is not perfection. It is intentional care that protects and preserves your covenant.

I have discovered that gratitude is one of the surest ways to keep a marriage tight. It honors your vows through words and actions. It shows your spouse they are not taken for granted.

Gratitude sounds simple, but it carries power:
• “Thank you for doing the dishes.”
• “I see how hard you work for our family.”
• “I appreciate all that you do.”
• “I am glad I get to do life with you.”

Gratitude also prays, “Lord, thank You for the man You gave me.”

These small moves build big unity. Know that your marriage matters to your family and your yes to gratitude strengthens the people who depend on you.

The truth is when you practice gratitude, you speak life into your covenant. When spoken often, it becomes a steady rhythm that strengthens your bond through full days and hard seasons.

Will it be hard at times? Yes! Will it be worth it? Absolutely!

I believe that when we practice gratitude in marriage, it steadies our hearts, strengthens our bond, and protects what is sacred.

✔️ It notices what is good.
✔️ It says thank you on purpose.
✔️ It chooses appreciation over assumption and honor over hurry.
✔️ It turns everyday moments into places where love grows.

Loving Well In Action

Big love takes small, consistent actions. If we’re going to keep our marriages tight, we can’t just talk about it, we’ve got to walk it out in real ways, every day.
Here are three simple ways you can start doing just that:

1. Speak it out loud each day.
Each day, say one specific thank you to your spouse. Specifics make gratitude stick. Aim for detail such as “Thank you for cleaning the car. Thank you for helping with homework. Thank you for praying with me.”

2. Notice one small thing.

Look for the ordinary things that often go unseen and say what you see. Your words are seeds.

3. Celebrate the ordinary.

Simple celebration keeps love close. Share one small win from the week with your spouse and mark the moment by doing something special together. It does not have to be big or grand.

As a bonus, don’t forget to pray for your spouse and with your spouse. Thank God aloud for one quality you cherish in your spouse.

Let's continue to speak life, sow good seeds, handle our spouses with care, and keep our marriages tight.  Why? Because out of a healthy marriage flows a healthy, flourishing family.

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