Yesterday was what my husband and I refer to as a “Hallmark holiday.” Don’t get me wrong, I applaud the efforts of the greeting card industry to help people communicate their feelings, but I believe expression of our love and affection for our loved ones should not be limited to one day on the calendar.
Love doesn’t just happen. It needs to be nurtured if it is to grow into something beautiful and lasting. Marriage relationships especially require daily attention to develop and mature. Often that means you make an intentional choice to show your husband you care, a deliberate effort to give of yourself.
What are some ways to let your husband know you love him every day? Put your love on display.
- “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (Romans 16:16). Start each day anew by letting him know he holds your heart.
- “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart” (Proverbs 3:3). When he has steamed the mirrors after a shower, leave a message in the mist.
- “Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat” (Genesis 27:4). Surprise him with his favorite meal or a special dessert.
- “May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:18). After the kids have gone to bed, instead of asking about his work, reminisce on your dating days. Maybe pull out some old photos and cue up a special tune.
- “Do everything without complaining or arguing” (Philippians 2:14). Let him control the television remote without protesting. It’s alright to watch yet another sporting event.
- “When he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate” (Exodus 22:27). Tend his wounds. Be it physical or emotional injury, respond with compassion and care.
- “Listen carefully to my words; let your ears take in what I say” (Job 13:17). Listen when he speaks. Remember what he says and converse about topics of his interest.
- “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). Affirm him. Compliment his strengths and complement him in front of his peers.
And of course, tell him you love him! Many years ago, when my husband and I were teenaged boyfriend and girlfriend, we saw a movie in which the main character, played by Keifer Sutherland, falls in love with a deaf girl. At the end, the girl jets off to Paris. As Keifer rides his motorcycle alongside her airplane, the two wave to each other the sign language gesture for “I love you.” Since seeing that film, my husband and I have waved “I love you” whenever parting ways. The gesture was also one of the first things we taught each of our children, and our goodbye tradition continues to this day. Even when words won’t work, you can still put your love on display!
I wish you a very happy Un-Valentine’s Day every day of the year, dear Moms!
- Ch…ch…ch…CHANGES Are Coming in 2017 for TMI - December 27, 2016
- What New Thing Are You Ready to See God Do in Your Life in 2017? - December 26, 2016
- Heaviness and Newness - December 23, 2016
