It is vitally important that we understand that marriage is a partnership. As a wife, one of the key aspects of a strong and harmonious marriage is developing a shared vision with your husband. A shared vision helps align your goals, values, and aspirations, allowing you to walk together in faith and pursue a purposeful life. In this blog post, we will explore how to develop a shared vision in marriage, rooted in Yah’s Word.
How to Develop A Shared Vision In Marriage
In marriage, a husband and wife are no longer two individuals. The Bible says in Ephesians 5:31, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” Therefore, you and your husband should work on combining any individual dreams into one. Here a a few things to consider when working towards one shared dream.
Seek God’s Guidance
The foundation of a shared vision in a godly marriage begins with seeking Yah’s guidance through prayer. Dedicate time individually and as a couple to pray for wisdom, discernment, and clarity. Involve Father Yah in your decision-making process. Allow His word to be the compass that guides your shared vision. Just as His Word says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
This is something that you and your husband will have to constantly practice until it becomes automatic. These days, whenever a big decision comes up, here’s what we do. My husband and I check ourselves and question if we prayed about it first. We don’t just stop there. If we have prayed about it, we then ask, “What did God say,”? It is important to seek Yah and to hear His answer.
Communicate Openly and Honestly
Clear and open communication is vital for developing a shared vision. Create a safe space where both you and your husband can express your dreams, desires, and concerns without judgment. Engage in meaningful conversations about your individual and joint goals, aspirations, and expectations. Active listening and empathy are crucial in understanding each other’s perspectives. This is how you will find common ground and begin developing a shared vision.
In a previous post, I laid out 10 important questions that you should be asking in marriage regularly. You can use those questions as a guideline for “marriage check-ins” with your husband as you see fit. These check-in conversations will definitely help to refine the shared vision and keep things on track.
How to Develop A Shared Vision in Marriage Through Identifying Core Values
Identify and discuss the core values that are important to both of you as faithful followers of The Most High. These values might include generousity, integrity, compassion, service, and forgiveness. By aligning your core values, you can build a strong foundation for your shared vision and make decisions that are in line with your beliefs.
At a previous job, we did an exercise where we brainstormed a list of all the possible values one could hold. From that list, each person identified the top 3 or 5 that were most important to them. These were their personal core values. We compiled a list of the most common personal core values, and we then voted to determine which ones would be our office values. I could definitely see an exercise like this working in a marriage as well. You would instead be looking to identify the shared values in your marriage of course. Give it a try!
Set Mutual Goals
Set mutual goals that reflect your shared vision as a couple. These goals can encompass various areas of your life, such as spiritual growth, family, career, finances, and community involvement. Ensure that your goals are realistic, specific, and measurable. Regularly review and update them to stay on track and celebrate milestones together. This is certainly a great strategy for how to develop a shared vision in marriage. As I have stated in another blog post, building a life together is one of my favorite things about being married!
Serve Together
Serving together as a couple strengthens your bond and helps you live out your shared vision. Look for opportunities to serve others in your church, community, or through mission work. By sharing in acts of kindness and selflessness, you will grow closer to God and each other.
Before children, I served as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural Ethiopia. In fact, that is where I met my husband. He was also there serving in the local community with another organization. Those were some of the happiest times in my life and in our relationship. I felt that we were in our element doing what we loved! As the kids get a little older, I would love to get back to this.
Prioritize Your Marriage
Make your marriage a top priority in your shared vision. Dedicate time for regular date nights, retreats, or activities that nurture your relationship. By investing in your marriage, you demonstrate your commitment to each other and strengthen the foundation of your shared vision. This step may not seem relevant when it comes to developing a shared vision, but baby, DON’T SKIP IT!
Embrace Flexibility
Flexibility is essential as you navigate the journey of developing a shared vision. Recognize that certain aspects of the goals you set might evolve over time. This is especially true because life can be unpredictable at times. Even when the change is something you planned, like having children, things may still shift. Be open to adjusting your shared vision accordingly. Embracing flexibility allows for growth and adaptability in your marriage. If either of you are too ridged, something might break.
How to Develop A Shared Vision in Marriage Conclusion
Developing a shared vision with your husband as a wife who fears Yah is an ongoing process. It requires patience, prayer, and intentional effort. By seeking Yah’s guidance, communicating openly, identifying core values, setting mutual goals, serving together, prioritizing your marriage, and embracing flexibility, you can build a strong and purposeful life together. Remember, a shared vision rooted in The Most High will not only strengthen your marriage but also glorify God as you walk together in faith.
Building a shared vision takes time and may vary from couple to couple. Adapt the suggestions provided to fit your unique circumstances and seek guidance from trusted mentors or counselors as needed.
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Peace and blessings sis!
