Your Spouse is a gift. How will you encourage your spouse today?
Yes. I know. He/She isn’t perfect. But your spouse is immensely valuable. Here are ways to encourage your spouse is a gift.
You could talk about the future with a hopeful attitude…
Anticipation is a good gift to give your spouse. What can you plan for the future that the two of you can anticipate?
- an adventure (big or small)
- an expanded and enriched intimate life
- a change in focus
The Adventure Journal is one product from Commit30 that has caught our attention – they have a planner that’s focused on reaching your goals. It’s useful too. The products from Commit30 are affiliate links where if you click to purchase Robert and I receive a small commission at no charge to you. We appreciate your support very much. Thank you!.
Hope is about what will be – what’s coming. We all have hope if we’re rooted in Christ.
You could share your faith in the goodness of God…
I’ve been listening to a song by Audrey Assad – “Good to Me.”
There are some useful reminders of God’s goodness ~ (click here if you can’t see the video)
When you’re bowed down with sorrow – do you still lift up God’s name?
Because He is good to you.
Do you let the foxes in the vineyard steal your joy?
Or do you focus on God’s good promises?
His goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life…
Faith starts with you. Then you can share.
You could love without condition…
Unconditional love.
It’s loving the way Christ loves us. It’s adding grace into your marriage. Unconditional love decides to forgive – regardless of who is right or wrong, first or last, better or worse. Love is kindness in action.
You could pray for your spouse…
- you could pray morning, noon and night
- you could pray out loud and in silence
- you could start small – just clasp hands and give thanks for your spouse
- you could pray for your spouse’s physical health, career, role as a parent and/or grandparent, your shared intimate life, relationship with friends, attitude, mental health, fears, reputation, temptations, purpose, choices, priorities, self-image, integrity, trials…
Pray. Without ceasing.
You could take action to bless your spouse…
You know what I’m talking about…
What have you been avoiding doing that you know your spouse would appreciate?
It might not be a big thing. (or it could be)
What can you do –
where can you make a difference by taking action –
how can you support your spouse?
Thankful to link with:
Hope in Every Season | Essential Fridays
The photo is by Daniel Davis Photography – I found it on Lightstock.com. Wonderful, huh?
This is lovely, Lori. Such an encouragement – I will share it on my fb page. Hope you and your Robert are having a blessed Christmas season.
Thanks, Bonnie!
I’ve been following your trip to Europe/Africa – so inspiring. Thank you for taking us along! 🙂
This was just stupendous!! It never occurred to me to view anticipation as a gift of encouragement. What an awesome, AWESOME idea! Thanks
Thanks for the affirmation, Robyn.
I find there are three types of people – those who get as much joy from planning/anticipating as doing something… those who love the spontaneity of surprise better than knowing about something before… and those who don’t discriminate between the two styles… LOL
Oh this post resonates so deeply with me, Lori! My husband and I try very hard to keep adventure in the forefront of our minds in order to keep things fresh and remind us that it’s the Lord who orchestrates the blessing of marriage.
As a couple who has counseled other couples who were on the brink of marriage failure, we love it when we find others who are promoting healthy, godly marriages. Thank you for your comment on my blog, and I will be back here frequently 🙂
Many blessings to you!
It’s so true that adventure in marriage is important to keep things fresh – espceially in as the decades of marriage advance. (wow – decades – that sounds more serious than I meant it to. LOL) Adventure is a “hot” topic with Robert and me – we’re in the process of planning a big one… 🙂
This is a touching reminder for us to be more intentional in our marriage and to prevent ourselves from falling into the trap of taking our husband for granted.
Thanks for sharing at Essential Fridays.
Blessings
Mel from Essential Thing Devotions
Hey Mel – always happy to connect. Thanks for your insights.