But for some reason, couples think that the infatuation they found in dating will last a lifetime. No one seemed to give them the bad news before the hard work.

Having a thriving marriage takes hard, consistent work. Yes, you can take a few days off. Yet, if you’re not one who is willing to commit to loving more, days become months which becomes years, and then you hear the words…I’ve fallen out of love.

I’m reminded this Thanksgiving season to be more grateful. Where gratitude grows, your love shows.

You have to look beyond what you see, and reveal the qualities of who you desire to be.

Marriage is a two-way street. However, someone does have to initiate.

So leave the complaining and sustaining of mistakes for another dimension and focus on what you can do, starting with “I am grateful for all of you.”

The K.I.S.S. ~ Grateful for all of you!

Now, one thing I want you to notice is that the statement comes with no expectations.

It’s not about being grateful when you are being taken care of. It’s not about whether or not the honey to-do list is complete. It’s about being grateful for ALL of your spouse; the good, the bad, and the ugly.

He may not have a great day at work and come home cranky. That doesn’t mean you get to stomp on his ego and make him feel worse because he wants to sit around all evening.

He may forget something at the store you specifically told him to pick up. But is it necessary to rub his face in how he failed you?

You may have wanted flowers for your anniversary, but all you got was a kiss. And you are still holding him responsible for not showing his love?

You listen to these small examples that don’t seem to be very eventful at the moment. But on the contrary, they are life-altering for any marriage. All of those examples become points on a scoreboard. By the way, keeping the score is wrong.

It’s hard to love when you’re not grateful.

“Love cannot exist without gratitude.” ~ Kristianne Wargo

CHALLENGE: Love deeper by focusing on how you can be grateful for all of your spouse.

COMPLETION: See the humor in the moment. Choose to lift up instead of tear down. Commit to what’s possible.

CELEBRATE: Every time you say “thank you” or give a pat on the back to your spouse, you are making a deposit in his/her love account.

That’s how gratitude grows love. It takes what seems to be less than and makes it more than.

Gratitude multiplies your love when expressed every day.

Start today by saying…

“I am grateful for all of you.” ~ Kristianne Wargo

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“