Upon completing an LDS mission, I was given advice on seeking a companion in marriage. Seek someone who will put the Lord first, then you, and then the children. The advice has served me well. Not only in finding a companion but also being a good companion myself. But lately I have been able to expand to this advice and add another to the list of prioritizing. First the Lord, then yourself, then your spouse, and then your children. I added yourself so you would always remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup.
When you follow this order, you are able to create a more meaningful connection filled life. By starting with your Creator, your focus is on his will and vision for your life. You come to see things as they really are. You seek love and light over anything else. You find peace and joy knowing you are following a path that was created just for you. When you follow your Creator first, you see through his eyes and when you see through his eyes you start to see yourself as he sees you.
Which makes it easy for the next part to be you. You now see yourself for all your glory. You come to love yourself more fully. You accept all of you and see how all your flaws and weaknesses can be strengths in the Hands of God. You do not settle for anything less then what God has intended for you to have. You invest in yourself because you know you deserve it. You also know that when you fill your cup first, do self care, and self investment you show up as the women, wife, mother, friend, and all the many hats you wear as the way God intended you to be.
Once your cup is full, and you know what you deserve. You also know you are worthy of love. The deep and connection filled love that comes from marriage. When you are able to accept your own flaws, it is easier to accept the flaws of your spouse because you are looking through the eyes of God. You find and see your spouse and come to accept him for all of his imperfections too. You start to cultivate a deeper connection with him. You start accepting the love he gives you because the love you have for yourself has increased. When you place your husband after you, you also allow him to do the same. For him to also love himself fully so he can also fully accept the love you give him.
Now you have two people who love God, love themselves, and love each other. What more can you ask for children to be raised in such a loving and powerful environment. Where they too will learn to turn to a higher power to see themselves for who they truly are, to love and accept themselves for all that they are, and to know how to build a deep and loving relationship with another.
This is my order of priority and as I have been able to follow this I haven been able to grow and become more of what the Lord has called me to be.