Stage 1 — Idealistic / Dreamer
“You will make all my dreams come true.”
Love is real—but the expectations are unrealistic.
Stage 2 — Shock Phase
“Why do you act that way? What do you believe? How can you think like that?”
Reality replaces fantasy.
Stage 3 — Change Now!
“You need to change!” (Him)
“No—you need to change!” (Her)
This is the battle stage.
Stage 4 — Personal Growth
“Maybe I need to change.”
- I begin to see myself more clearly
- I own my immature patterns
- I let go of control
- I grow in forgiveness and patience
- I increasingly rest in God
I learn:
- There are no perfect spouses
- Acceptance is maturity
I begin to:
- Take myself less seriously
- Release more, relax more, laugh more
Stage 5 — Growth / Partnership
“We are in this together for the long haul.”
I continue to grow in love with Abba, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and my wife.
Stage 6 — Eternal Perspective
“This life is preparation for the next.”
- Less irritated, more peaceful
- Greater focus on eternal things
Closing Thought:
Marriage begins with a dream—then it matures and transforms you. It has the potential to deepen into an unimaginable love story.
Prayer:
Father, teach me more about love. Use my marriage. Grow me. Help me learn to love well. Amen.
Scripture:
“Above all, love each other deeply…”. 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)