Seven steps to marital Ecstacy

By Joe Beam

Step Six—Develop Shared Spirituality in the Relationship

Discover — Couples reaching this level of intimacy want to grow even closer. They do that by intensely seeking mutual values and beliefs. They especially search for shared relationship with God. As they uncover foundational values and beliefs, they unite to more clearly delineate the guidelines of their life together. That gives substance to their future, particularly as they also teach their values and beliefs to their children.

Establish — One proven way to bring a family to its highest level of unity is to establish traditions and symbols that become very special to that family. Husbands and wives become more intertwined when certain days, specific phrases, regular events, or special heirlooms take on meanings that represent their love or life together. They share most of these symbols and traditions with their children, but some are for the couple alone.

Develop — When a couple finally develops a shared sense of meaning and purpose, they truly "become one." Beyond sexual and emotional intimacy, a spiritual intimacy develops between the two that transcends mere mortality. They have something to live for together. The highest level comes when their spiritual intimacy includes relationship with God.