6 a.m. Conversations

Everybody wants the blessing of love, but nobody talks about the upkeep.

You wouldn’t buy a car and never change the oil. You wouldn’t move into a new house and ignore the leaks. But somehow, folks think marriage is “set it and forget it” like it’s a crockpot that just simmers on its own.

Let me tell you something, love don’t maintain itself.

You have to check on it. Tighten the loose screws. Repaint the walls after a few storms. Replace what’s worn down. And most importantly, remember why you bought the house in the first place.

See, somewhere between the “I do” and the “what happened to us?” life sneaks in. Work schedules stretch thin. The kids’ needs start screaming louder than your own. You start saying, “We’ll talk later” and later turns into next week. Next week turns into next month. And suddenly, the connection that once felt automatic starts asking for attention.

That’s not failure. That’s normal. Every engine needs a tune-up.

The problem is, most couples wait until something breaks to start fixing it. They wait until the spark is gone, the tone’s cold, the distance feels permanent. But the best mechanics don’t wait for the car to stall, they listen for the rattle.

That little “something’s off” sound in your relationship? Don’t ignore it.

That look that says “I’m here, but I’m tired”? That’s your cue.

That moment where the hugs get shorter, the laughter less frequent, and the “good mornings” start sounding like chores? That’s when you roll up your sleeves.

Because maintenance isn’t punishment, it’s prevention.

It’s sending that “I love you” text for no reason. It’s grabbing their favorite snack just because. It’s apologizing before pride has a chance to unpack its bags. It’s date night on the porch because babysitters are too high and Netflix is small fee.

And yes, it’s prayer.

Not the deep, churchy kind but the quiet kind that says, “Lord, help me not to take this person for granted.”

I’ve learned that the couples who last aren’t the ones who avoid problems, they’re the ones who maintain connection. They sweep up misunderstandings before they turn into messes. They change the filter before resentment starts blowing through the vents.

Love is ministry, not magic. You gotta show up, serve, listen, and sometimes start over.

And the good news? When you do the maintenance, love runs smoother. The laughter comes easier. The peace lasts longer. And the same person who once drove you crazy starts to remind you why you never gave up.

So think about this, When was the last time you did a “maintenance check” on your relationship, not because it was broken but because it was worth keeping whole?

Loving By HIS Word—“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9Love requires consistent tending. God honors those who keep showing up — who patch, polish, and pray through the process. The reward isn’t perfection; it’s peace that comes from faithfulness.

6 a.m. Quote–“Love doesn’t fall apart from the big storms…it cracks from the small leaks we ignore.”

Marlon Dean–6 a.m. Conversations “Where love meets faith, one day at a time”