Relationships are like gardens. They need watering, pruning, and tending to remain lush. If you left a garden to grow on its own, it would become entangled and unkempt. The flowers may die while the weeds flourish. You need to water the plants and trim the weeds!
A beautiful garden requires an investment of time and energy. Like a relationship, it too requires time and effort for it to flourish. Just as a garden needs sunshine, water, and fertilizer a relationship needs attention, tenderness, and patience in order to grow emotional intimacy. You are the master gardener of your relationship.
PUT INTO PRACTICE
4 ways to GROW your RELATIONSHIP:
#1 Water Love with Communication
Communicate often. Stay in touch a couple times a day at a minimum.
#2 Pull out the Weeds of Resentment
Don’t avoid discussing challenges or hurts. Mole hills become mountains when ignored.
#3 Fertilize Love with an Apology
Own your mistakes and ask for forgiveness. This demonstrates humility and empathy for the offense.
#4 Light up Love with Laughter
Like flowers, love needs light to thrive. Be a student of your loved one. Take notice of the things that make them giggle, chuckle, and roll on the floor with laughter.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:1-2