At the Inn of Last Resort in Franklin, North Carolina, we believe in supporting healthy, Christ-centered relationships. We love hosting couples for private marriage retreats and especially appreciate our newlyweds who allow us to help shape their new lives together.
The first year of marriage is a season of significant change as you transition from single life to building a shared future as a couple. While this is an exciting time, it also brings challenges. Staying rooted in your identity in Christ, pressing into each other and inviting couples who have gone before you to speak into your life are key to thriving in this season of transformation.
Remember That Your First Love is Christ.
One key to thriving in this season of change is to remember that your identity is rooted in Christ. As Christians, we are the bride of Christ first and foremost, and this foundational relationship is the guide for all others– including marriage. It’s tempting to become comfortable after the work of dating and planning a wedding, and to settle into new routines, focusing only on building a life together. However, it is essential not to forsake communing with the Lord—both individually and as a couple.
Embrace the newness of pressing into the Lord together but do not neglect your personal relationship with Him.
This will strengthen both your spiritual life and your marriage.
As you begin to navigate spiritual life as a couple, it’s understandable that you may feel unsure about how to integrate your faith in this new context. Don’t be afraid to talk openly about your spiritual expectations, rhythms you’d like to implement and dreams you have for the future of your spiritual life. Here are a few rhythms to try as you discern what will be a priority in your new marriage:
- Choose a day of the week and set it aside as a time of Sabbath rest from work and entertainment to intentionally honor the Lord as a couple.
- Set a regular time of day or a recurring day of the week to pray out loud together. Or try taking a regular prayer walk together!
- Pick out a spiritually rich book that you and your spouse can read through together.
Experiment with what works for both of you and continue to let your shared and individual pursuit of God be the foundation that sustains your marriage.
Intentionally Build Your Life Together
This first year of marriage is a precious season of relearning each other and building a new life together. During this transition, it’s vital to be intentional about pressing into your spouse. Take this time to put distractions aside, slow down and focus on creating a meaningful foundation for your relationship. Try integrating some small practices that show you are invested in building up your relationship such as:
- Putting phones away during meals or leaving them outside of the bedroom to foster undistracted connection.
- Dedicating one day each week to join your spouse in doing their hobbies or diving into their interests with them.
- Running errands, cooking and doing household chores together.
As you slow down and practice these intentional habits of connection, remember that communication is vital to any relationship– especially in the beginning. Be open about your feelings and expectations, regardless of how uncomfortable it may feel.
Embrace vulnerability and pour out grace as you learn more about each other in this new chapter.
Clear, honest communication sets the stage for a strong foundation of trust and understanding, allowing you to grow together in unity.
Allow Older Marriages to Support Yours
The first year of marriage is challenging and awkward and fun and beautiful. The best part is that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own! No marriage is an island and you don’t have to build your new life from scratch. One of the best ways to thrive during this season is to invite the wisdom of older marriage into your life. Surround yourself with fellow believers who have walked the road ahead of you, ask questions, seek accountability and learn from their experiences. You might be surprised at the stories you hear—both the struggles and the victories that shaped their marriages.
Here are a few ideas for connecting with older marriages:
- Join a marriage Bible study or small group where you can grow spiritually alongside other couples.
- Invite older couples over for dinner and ask them to share their stories.
- Attend marriage retreats or workshops where you can hear from others who have gone before you.
These conversations offer valuable insight and encouragement as you navigate the early days of marriage. By allowing older marriages to influence and cultivate yours, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to build a strong, Christ-centered relationship that can thrive in any season.
As you embrace the journey of your first year of marriage, consider taking time away to focus on your relationship with each other and with Christ. A private marriage retreat can provide the perfect opportunity to connect and strengthen your bond. At The Inn, you can enjoy a peaceful, Christ-centered environment designed to help couples grow closer and navigate this new season of life together. Start building a strong, thriving marriage rooted in faith by joining us here at The Inn.
