I love music. I usually have a song running through my thoughts, and often wake up with one playing on repeat. Sometimes I notice this more than at other times—like last night.

Tom and I were sitting outside enjoying the golden hour of sunset, when I started humming a song made famous by Willie Nelson. The title is You Were Always On My Mind.

I’m not a huge Willie Nelson fan, so when it came to mind I noticed. I looked up the lyrics and realized how sad it is. A man admits how he has neglected to show his lady how he truly feels about her; it is a song of regret and sorrow.

Maybe I didn’t love you
Quite as often as I could have
And maybe I didn’t treat you
Quite as good as I should have
If I made you feel second best
Girl, I’m sorry I was blind

Admitting that you are blind to something is important in marriage; it is the first step towards change. To admit wrong is an act of humility, the soil in which all the other graces grow. And saying you are sorry can open the door of communication.

And maybe I didn’t hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
I guess I never told you
I’m so happy that you’re mine
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
But you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

In this verse he gets more specific with his apology. He wasn’t empathetic when she needed it. He failed to talk to her about his feelings. And most of all, he admits not doing the little things day in and day out that mean the most in a marriage.

I wish there was a third verse with a happy ending. But instead this song leaves the outcome to the listeners.

It begs these questions:

• How am I doing with showing love and empathy to you?
• How do I show honor to you, both privately and publicly?
• How do I comfort you when you are struggling?
• How do I take care of little things that are important to you?
• How often to I communicate my love and feelings to you or show my affection for you?

These are good questions to ask each other when you are both undistracted. Doing so will hopefully prevent your love from growing cold and dying as the bridge reveals in the song.

Tell me
Tell me that your sweet love hasn’t died
And give me
Give me one more chance to keep you satisfied
I’ll keep you satisfied

Being satisfied in marriage is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other. What satisfies your spouse isn’t the same as what satisfies mine. Each marriage is unique, and if you aren’t sure what areas are in need of attention, it is time to ask. Let your spouse know…

You are always on my mind.

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We are happy you’ve stopped by today. We love hearing from you and how God is helping your marriage thrive. We read and respond to all comments.

Have a blessed week,

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️