In life, especially in relationships, family, and marriage, the truth is simple: if something is important to you, you will make time for it, nurture it, and protect it. If it’s not, you won’t. This principle has shaped my understanding of how we express our values and priorities, not through words, but through consistent actions.
Actions Speak Louder Than Intentions
We live in a world where words are plentiful, but actions remain the true test of commitment. In relationships, it’s not what we say that matters most, but what we do. Saying “I love you” is meaningful, but it’s the effort to show love daily that truly sustains a bond.
When you care about your partner, you show up—even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or requires sacrifice. If your marriage matters to you, you prioritize time together, meaningful conversations, and acts of service. If your family is important, you put down your phone, engage, and remain present. Simply put, love is a verb.
What Happens When We Don’t Prioritize What’s Important
Neglect often begins with excuses. “I’m too busy,” “I’ll get to it later,” or “They know how I feel.” But over time, these small dismissals build walls in our relationships. When we fail to prioritize the people we love, they feel unseen, unheard, and unvalued.
In marriage, neglect can lead to emotional distance. A partner may stop sharing their thoughts and feelings when they sense they’re not being heard. Family relationships can weaken when time and attention are given only to what’s urgent rather than what’s meaningful. And the most painful part? Once trust and connection erode, it takes immense effort to rebuild them.
How to Show What’s Important
Here are practical ways to ensure your actions reflect your priorities in relationships:
- Make Time: Time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. Block out time for your spouse, children, or family—and guard it fiercely. It doesn’t have to be grandiose; even simple, consistent moments of connection go a long way.
- Be Present: Presence isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and mental. Put away distractions, and give your full attention to the person in front of you.
- Communicate With Intention: Ask questions, listen deeply, and validate feelings. True communication fosters understanding and connection.
- Act Consistently: Grand gestures are nice, but consistency is what builds trust and longevity. Little actions repeated over time—like daily hugs, kind words, and acts of service—can make all the difference.
- Reflect and Reassess: Periodically check in with yourself. Are your actions aligning with your priorities? If not, make adjustments.
Applying This to Marriage
In marriage, “If it’s important, you will” means:
- You make your partner’s emotional needs a priority.
- You resolve conflicts instead of avoiding them.
- You choose to stay engaged even when things get hard.
Marriage isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence. It’s about waking up each day and deciding, “This is important. I will show up for it.” When both partners live this truth, marriage becomes a sanctuary rather than a source of stress.
Closing Thought
Life is busy, and distractions are endless. But at the end of the day, the things we prioritize are what define us. If your relationships—your marriage, family, and connections—truly matter, your actions will reflect that. If they don’t, it’s time to re-evaluate.
So I ask you: What’s truly important to you? And are your actions showing it? Remember, “If it’s important, you will. If it’s not, you won’t.” Choose wisely.
