How do you guys work together?! Yes, my wife Jill and I wake up at 4:00 am Monday through Friday, and then we host a radio show together. Crazy…I know!! It takes a lot of work, but I truly believe it’s been good for us. Here are 3 things I’ve learned from working with my wife that I think you can apply to your marriage and learn to love better:

• Love is dealing with your junk  – Doing a show with my wife has forced me to ask questions like…Why am I feeling insecure? Is it how Jill said something to me, or is it something else? Why did I react so harshly? To work effectively with my wife I’ve had to face myself in the mirror over and over again. Often my emotional reaction has less to do with her and more to do with something in me. Wanna love those around you better? Love yourself by dealing with the hurts from your past and digging into what really makes you tick. Your loved ones will thank you.
• Love is communication – When I’m sitting across from Jill at six in the morning and have to talk on the radio, I can’t allow conflict to go unsettled (yes there is conflict)! We have to keep communication open and flowing. Are you feeling something isn’t quite right in your relationship? Don’t stuff it…work through it. The more you talk through things, the easier it will get and the less time it will take.
• Love isn’t comparing – Jill and I have talked to enough marriage experts and music artists to know no one has it all together. Yep, when you hear them on the radio or watch them on stage, they seem to say all the right things, but they’re a work in progress just like you. Be gentle to you and those you love. Everyone will always have something to work on, but don’t judge them too harshly. And, don’t wish they were like “so and so,” who seems to be the ideal spouse…because you never really know what’s going on behind closed doors. Love the person God gave you to share all the ups and downs of this journey we call life!

Finally, love is coffee, laughing together, and embracing God’s amazing love for you and your spouse! My prayer for you is that you can celebrate well together on this Valentine’s Day.