30 Bricks to Build a Forever Romance

This will be my 30th Valentine's Day spent with my husband, Steve. Since I've been asked so often how we've stayed so deeply in love even after this long, I thought I would take the time to share 30 of the bricks with which we've built our forever romance.

Brick #1: God is first and central to everything we are, and all we do, say, and think.

Brick #2: We don't make issues out of insignificant things.

Brick #3: We are quick to say “I'm sorry” and truly mean it when we do.

Brick #4: We say “I love you” often, and let it be our last words to one another any time we leave one another's presence for any reason.

Brick #5: We frequently recall our first days together and reminisce about how we felt back then.

Brick #6: Each of us puts the best interest of the other first, always.

Brick #7: We pray for one another continually.

Brick #8: We don't designate chores or jobs, but instead we each try to do whatever needs to be done without fanfare while maintaining a spirit of helpfulness toward the other.

Brick #9: We express gratitude to one another constantly, and strive to never take one another for granted.

Brick #10: We are always learning what makes the other tick, and using that knowledge to enrich one another's lives.

Brick #11: We always advocate for one another, whether with our children, other family members, or those outside the family.

Brick #12: We trust one another implicitly, always believe the best in each other, and always give the benefit of the doubt.

Brick #13: We leave love notes hidden in silly places for one another to find.

Brick #14: We are intuitive to one another's mood, always watching for any clue as to how the other is feeling.

Brick #15: We allow for individuality in each other and celebrate the person each of us was before we met, while still nurturing our unity and growth as one flesh.

Brick #16: We find ways to laugh together daily.

Brick #17: We creatively and purposefully stoke the fires of intimacy.

Brick #18: We listen—truly listen—to not only one another's voices, but deeper so we can hear the heart.

Brick #19: We enjoy the simple things in life together.

Brick #20: We “spur one another on toward love and good deeds”. (Heb. 10:24)

Brick #21: We each take an interest in what interests the other.

Brick #22: We listen to our favorite songs from throughout the years together.

Brick #23: We collect and display romantic memorabilia from our years as a couple.

Brick #24: We constantly find ways to do small kindnesses for each other throughout the day.

Brick #25: We kiss passionately and often.

Brick #26: We read God's Word and ponder its lessons together.

Brick #27: We combine forces to continually build into our family, focusing on celebrating rather than lamenting changes as the years go by.

Brick #28: We find ways to be goofy on a daily basis (sometimes hourly, depending on the day).

Brick #29: We talk one another up and never degrade or make fun of one another to others.

Brick #30: We stay away from anything that could become a tool the Enemy might try to use to rob us of the beautiful blessing of forever romance God has given us, and will continue to develop in us, for the rest of our lives.