Chip and Joanna Gaines’ greatest accomplishment isn’t five seasons of the highest-rated HGTV show in network history, a New York Times bestselling book, a quarterly magazine, a paint, wallpaper, rug and furniture line, a bakery, and successful retail shops. Their highest accomplishment is modeling for the rest of us what really matters when their kids were feeling the pain of Mom and Dad being way too busy.
The kids would ask, “Mom and Dad, do you guys have to film again today? When is this going to be over?” Chip recalls.
“The kids were so young when we started,” added Joanna. “Fast-forward to today and our oldest is almost a teenager—they’re all growing up so quickly.”
So Chip and Joanna are teaching us important lessons about marriage and family as they walk away from their HGTV show for the sake of their family. We have so much to learn from the Gaineses — and not just about great design and shiplap.
Chip and Joanna Gaines’ 11 Secrets to a Great Marriage and Family
1. Trust God.
In every big life and career transition, Joanna says that she has made time to be in God’s Word.
“God taught me to study the Word and believe it, even when it hadn’t been fulfilled yet. I really had to cultivate a place of faith that I never had before. I had to trust Him as He would speak His promise to me,” she explained. “This trust brought peace, although my circumstance hadn’t yet reflected his promise. His Word doesn’t return void, and God was working in my heart to establish deeper levels of trust that I now look back on and am thankful for.”
2. Put Christ first.
“Our family has made a commitment to put Christ first, a lifestyle our parents modeled for us very well. They showed us how to keep our marriage and family centered around God,” Chip said.
Chip and Joanna Gaines’ love story has won over the hearts of America. This Christ-centered couple is on fire for each other and even more on fire for God. They’re a much-needed light in a media world centered on sin and self.
3. Work on your marriage.
In an interview with People magazine, the Gaineses opened up about the long road of hard work and faith that led them to where they are today.
“Nothing has come easy,” Chip says. “We’ve worked so hard to have this beautiful family and this farm—it really does seem like the American dream you heard about growing up.”
4. Balance life so your family is the winner.
When Chip and Joanna decided to make this season their last, rumors swirled. But it was very simple; the Gaines’ family needed more time with Mom and Dad.
“I realized the show was demanding time from me, and I needed to be giving it to our businesses, to our relationship and my family,” Chip told People Magazine. “How far can you push it before something really does break down? And that’s kind of where we landed.”
5. Divorce is NEVER an option.
Of course, one of those rumors was that Chip and Joanna were getting a divorce. But Chip shut that rumor down in his classic Chip Gaines style!
Using the hashtag #LoveOfMyLife, Chip made sure to set the record straight that divorce is not an option for these creatives.
“Won’t ever happen.. you can take that to the bank! #loveOfMyLife “
6. Put marriage before parenting.
Through all of their endeavors, the couple’s top priorities are their marriage and then their kids: Drake, Ella, Duke and Emmie (and a fifth on the way!)