When you first met the one you knew would be your life mate, you began making plans and dreams together. You talked about everything from the biggies such as how many children you would have and where you would live, to the more intricate things such as common ideals and goals. How many of those have turned out as planned? Are you still working toward them, or have they fallen by the wayside as life crowded in? Dreaming together is one of many ways to foster excitement in your marriage. Here are a few guidelines to help you maximize your dreams as a couple.
 

Dare to dream big
The Bible is full of people to whom God gave a vision or a dream. The most common example that comes to mind is Joseph. His dream was big. In fact, it was too big for anyone in his circle to understand, causing them to resent him and look for ways to shut him up.

But since we are talking about dreaming as a couple, Joseph and Mary come to mind. God turned their tiny dream of getting married and having a family, into the outrageous fulfillment of being earthly parents to the long-awaited Messiah!  When you engage your imagination together, God has a way of taking those dreams and multiplying them into more than you imagined possible (Eph 3:20).

Recognize and Release
God has paired you together with common strengths and complementing differences. Sometimes it is easy to see your differences as a liability or minority rather than an asset. Recognizing and releasing each other to challenge and stretch your dreams through differing viewpoints and skillsets will strengthen the dimension of your dreams (I Cor 12:12-27).

Educate and Entrust
Think back to when you were first dating. You did everything possible together. You were willing to do things with your future spouse that you had never done before just to get to know them better. You educated yourself constantly about their likes, dislikes, and common goals.

Continuing to be lifetime learners together of each other and with each other will increase your connection as a couple. It will also enhance your relationship and keep it from becoming stale. Educating yourselves together as you dream together will add color to your dreams. Remember to use the Bible as your top source of wisdom and entrust your dreams to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3).

Assemble and Align
According to research by social psychologist Dr. David McClelland of Harvard, the people you habitually associate with determine as much as 95 percent of your success or failure. Assemble a team together of people who are successful in the areas you are aspiring to. Align yourself with them and seek out wisdom and mentorship from them. Proverbs 13:20 says it like this; "Walk with the wise and you will become wiser."

Mobilize and Motivate
God has huge plans for you as a couple. Discover and work toward them together. Motivate each other to be constantly moving toward the fullness of all God has for you.

It's been said that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Do something together on a regular basis that brings you closer to your dreams. Dare to dream God-sized dreams for your marriage and you will make the rest of your life the best of your life together.

May He give you the desires of your heart
and make all your plans succeed (Psalms 20:4).