After 52 years of marriage, my wife and I have learned that even the strongest, most enduring love stories need occasional refreshment. It is easy to fall into familiar patterns that feel more like habits than heartfelt connection. We have found ourselves doing the same things, talking about the same topics, or worse, not talking at all. And while comfort and routine have their place, a marriage needs intentional care, creativity, and laughter to keep it vibrant.

This summer, we have decided to be more intentional in how we spend time together, more deliberate in how we laugh, talk, plan, and pray. Here are a few ideas we are exploring, and perhaps they will inspire you too.

Sunset drives with purpose. One of our favorite things has been going for a simple evening drive with one goal: find a “sweet spot” to watch the sunset together. No distractions, just sitting in peace, holding hands, watching the colors change, and thanking God for another day together. It is for us a calming and sacred moment as we enjoy God’s creation.

Fifty-Two weeks of love notes. To mark our 52nd year, we started a tradition: every week, we exchanged a love note that began with “52 years of marriage and 1 week,” then the next said “52 years and 2 weeks,” and so on. Each week’s note became a little time capsule of gratitude, memories, or prayer. It helped us reflect on the beauty of our journey, especially during a year when health challenges.

Backyard pool conversations. On the days Marlene feels well, we spend time in our backyard pool. Not only to swim laps or exercise, but just to float, relax, and talk. The water helps ease physical strain, and somehow conversations seem to go deeper when we are unplugged and unhurried. Even twenty quiet minutes together in the water can feel restorative.

We are beginning to write down memories that are funny, sweet, or meaningful and keep them in a journal. One of our dear friends reminded us of a great resource to use called “Storyworth” into which we are looking. It provides weekly promptings to author a story about our personal life and in 52 weeks it can be printed into a beautiful keepsake hardcopy book for us to share with our children and grandchildren.

Each week we watch movies on our TV and have particularly enjoyed “The Chosen” Series. We have found inspiring movies, documentaries, and even old classics that lead to good conversations. Instead of just watching, we ask each other questions afterward: It is an easy, low-energy way to stay emotionally engaged.

We have been reading Our Daily Bread together every day for years, not just reading but also pausing to talk about it. It has become more than a devotional, it is a springboard to deeper conversations about our faith, our hopes, our struggles, and what God is teaching us. You would be surprised how these little discussions lead to real connection.

Marriage is a gift from God—one that reflects His covenant love. But even gifts need unwrapping again and again. This summer, we are asking God to help us rediscover the wonder of what we have: not just a long marriage, but a living one. With a bit of fun, intentionality, and faith, we believe this season could be one of our best yet.

Why not make it yours too?

Let us never stop growing closer to our marriage partner, with God’s help.