HEARTS ENGAGED
Have you ever started a New Year with a resolution and actually stuck with it… for more than a week or two? I wish I could say I have, but this story might be a little more relatable.
Years ago, I bought a treadmill. I was so excited. I could practically see myself running, sweating, and crushing every workout like a fitness champion (or at least like a moderately active 30-something). My co-worker, however, didn’t share my optimism. She was blunt and unafraid to voice her strong opinion: one day, that treadmill would end up as a clothes hanger.
I was determined to prove her wrong. I really was. After all, this wasn’t just a treadmill… it was my ticket to a healthier, fitter me. Of course, it sat in the box for a while longer than I’d like to admit. But eventually, I rolled up my sleeves, followed the instructions (mostly), and got it together. It looked great. And for a little while, it actually lived up to my expectations.
The first few workouts felt so great, and I was consistent. I’d hop on, feeling proud of myself. (Was it really for my health, or just to prove a point to my co-worker? Honestly, I’m not sure.) But the feeling of accomplishment was real, and I thought maybe this time, I could really make it last.
Then, slowly, things started to change. Life got busy. A day passed, then two. Life got stressful. Motivation dipped. And before I knew it, I was skipping more workouts than I actually did. And then, one ordinary day, I went to grab my sweater and - there it was - draped over the armrest of the treadmill. It had, in fact, become exactly what my co-worker predicted: a glorified clothes hanger.
This treadmill was something I was convinced was going to change everything! I would be fitter, healthier, happier… the machine would provide all of that for me.
Here’s the catch (as it is with most resolutions), we have to actually put in the work. We can gather all the tools, books, subscriptions, and memberships we want, but that isn’t enough.
Marriage is the same. We often start a new year with a resolution: “This year, I’m going to do more for my partner.” Maybe it’s leaving love notes, buying flowers, planning dates, or speaking words of encouragement every day. Those are wonderful goals, but like the treadmill, they won’t work if we don’t follow through. Intentions alone aren’t enough. Real change happens when we show up consistently, with our hearts and our actions, day after day.
Because the little things matter. The “I see you” moments, the “I’m with you” choices, the quiet ways you say I love you without words… they build a life together that no resolution alone could ever create.
Just like my treadmill, a marriage can’t reach its potential by sitting in the box or hanging your sweater on it. It needs your time, attention, and heart. Show up, choose each other, and put in the work, and you may be surprised at how much love can grow when it’s built day by day.
