Time and attention are two key ingredients in enjoying a good marriage. Paying attention to everything that our spouse does to make our life better, as well as complimenting them on their dedication and sacrifice for us, will make our intimate union all the more enjoyable and secure.
Everyone relishes the feeling of being appreciated, admired, and not taken for granted. However, we get so caught up in our own little world sometimes, that we fail to notice or to show appreciation for everything our spouse does to bless our life.
We easily gripe when one of us fails to do what we expect, but how often do we thank each other for our selfless service to one another? We all need affirmation through encouragement, thoughtful little gifts, hugs and kisses, time spent in each other’s company, etc.
Specifically thanking our mate for their random acts of kindness for us encourages both of us to be more proactive in our thoughtful gestures toward one another.
Depending on our upbringing and past life experiences, some people do not like hugs, touching, snuggling on the couch, etc. They prefer chatting and connecting mentally rather than physically. Both of these expressions of love and attention are valid and necessary.
Even a few moments of focused attention on one another each day will improve our relationship and fuel our emotional connection. Sharing a meal together; an unexpected phone call just to say, “I love you.”; a short love note tucked into a pocket, purse, or briefcase; a surprise visit to our spouse’s workplace; etc. all provide us with that feeling of belonging, cherishing, and care.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for teaching us not to take each other for granted. Help us to truly cherish one another as You cherish us. Remind us to overlook our spouse’s irritating qualities by helping us to focus on their positive merits. You created Eve as a helper for Adam. You call on the husband to lay down his life for his wife, which encourages her to submit to the authority that You give to him.
Help us to appreciate the fact that affectionate touching is a great door-opener for more intimate touching. It may not lead to a culmination of physical expression at that moment, but it often does. Either way, eye contact, smooching, hugs, a touch on the shoulder, a kiss on the forehead or neck, and caresses will put us in the mood for more familiar contact. A grateful attitude to You for our spouse will also enlarge our love and appreciation for one another.
Thought for the Day:
Loneliness is a rapidly increasing problem in our society, and even couples complain about feeling lonely despite being married; we feel alone, because we are placed on the bottom of the list of our spouse’s priorities, and many activities and responsibilities take precedence over our relationship; therefore, a caring bond, sharing interests, a listening ear, showing love in our particular love language, a relational rapport, etc. will help us to feel like we really matter and are valued as a person.
