Today’s Marriage Monday post is going to be a bit shorter than most, but it’s a topic I (Caleb) recently fell into + can’t wait to share. I hope to share more as I learn, but for now I just want to get it off my chest : ) As you guys most likely now by now, we recently spent seven days exploring the California coast, along with parts of Oregon (if you didn’t know this, you can read more here!). There must have been something magical in those large trees — it’s a feeling + a sight that I can’t really put into words.

I don’t know about you, but when I stay in one place for too long, I start to, almost unknowingly, lose a sense of passion in life. Maybe it’s the adventurer in me, maybe it’s the consistency of everyday life that causes you to build up a resistance to chase dreams.

When Maison + I were exploring over those seven days, it was so easy to dream. Now that we are back in Madison, I want to still encourage myself, Maison, + all of you to dream where you are. Marriage presents to us one of the biggest opportunities or one of the biggest setbacks — depending on your outlook. How many times have you had a thought that you haven’t shared with your spouse because you “knew” there was no way it was possible. Or how many times have you given your spouse a dumbfounded look when they shared something that just doesn’t seem feasible to you?

Now, when I talk about dreaming, I’m not even necessarily referring to something that is completely life altering! (Although with prayerful consideration, research, + outside opinions, I’d strongly encourage this type of dreaming too!!). Wouldn’t it be awesome if we shared even the smallest dream we had with our spouses? Imagine the possibilities! Imagine the learning! Imagine the marriage growth! Even if it’s a dream of trying to eat healthy (more on that later… ;)), or learning how to play guitar! Maybe you’ve stopped doing something you were once passionate about + ultimately wish you could spend more time doing. Here is the kicker — marriage is a partnership. As spouses, we have to constantly be pushing each other to dream! We should be striving to bring out the best in each other everyday. You may lose a little sleep to poorly played instruments, or have to eat foods you don’t really like, but I can guarantee you that the encouragement, love + support you give to your spouse in pursuing dreams will pay dividends in their life, your life, + ultimately your marriage!! Can I get an amen?!

Right now, I realize that this all seems a little to good to be true, because to be honest, that’s kind of how I feel at this point. But from today forward, I want to push myself to share my dreams with Maison (big + small), encourage her to share hers with me, + make it a priority to never stop dreaming together.

What are some of your dreams? Share them with us in the comments below — we would love to hear!! Cheers to a marriage + lifetime of dreaming!! : )

-C