When was the last time you expressed gratitude in your marriage
– and said, “Thank you.” to your spouse?
Gratitude in Marriage
Gratitude. Thankfulness. It’s important to tell your spouse how thankful you are. Sometimes we’ll say, “Thank you.” to a stranger, before we’ll say it to our spouse! 
This is number 2 of 101 phrases to encourage your spouse – see the video of Alex and Alisane saying these phrases to each other – by going to “The Video” and also see the other posts in this series.
The Big Picture
Courtesy isn’t a luxury in marriage – it’s a necessity. Courtesy – including saying “thank you” – demonstrates how much you value your spouse!
“Just as leaks in a dam reflect the potential of larger problems, giving up on courtesy in marriage reflects the bigger issue of not valuing each other. The consequences of forgetting ‘small’ actions remind us of how big those actions were in the first place.” – Gary Chapman from Love as a Way of Life: Seven Keys to Transforming Every Aspect of Your Life
Sometimes it’s just forgetfulness that stops us from expressing gratitude. That’s easy to solve – get (back) into the habit of expressing how thankful you are… Practice!
But what if lack of gratitude is part of a deeper problem?
Could you have slid into a mentality of entitlement? (maybe?)
Or have you stopped saying “thank you” because you no longer value what your spouse does?
Maybe it’s time for a bit of soul-searching… an attitude adjustment?
The Practical
Saying, “Thank you.” to your spouse doesn’t need to be difficult – it just requires a bit of attention to details. There’s going to be a lot of instances – opportunities to say it… here are a few…
thank you for marrying me…- thank you for putting up with me…
- thank you for doing the laundry…
- thank you for making supper…
- thank you for smiling at me…
- thank you for listening…
- thank you for making the bed…
- thank you for cuddling with me…
- thank you for such great kids…
- thank you for taking care of the bills…
- thank you for going to work…
- thank you for being nice to my parents…
- thank you for helping out…
- thank you for being so generous…
- thank you for choosing to do what’s right…
- thank you for praying for me…
- thank you for loving me…
I’m sure there’s more!
Leave a comment – about what will you say “thank you” to your spouse today?
Want some reminders about being thankful? Download a PDF of these four scripture tags…
Print them on cardstock, cut them out, use them as bookmarks, hang on ‘fridge or mirrors, or tuck them into sock drawers, hang them from your spouse’s car steering wheel, or even more fun spots! Take some action…
Thankful to Link with Reflect His Love and Glory at JannCobb.com
To see all the posts for 101 phrases to encourage your spouse series and the video – click this picture.
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You know…it seems like such a simple concept, and yet, your list was so vital because I don’t know that every day I think of all of those things. Thank you for this. Great reminder! I always enjoy popping over here, Lori! Blessings on your day!
Yup. It’s simple, and yet when I was writing out the practical list, I realized I hadn’t said some of them to Rob recently… (whoops.)
Doesn’t matter how long you’re married, or what you write (lol) – reviewing the simple stuff carries more weight than you’d expect! Thanks for kind words, and for continuing to stop in!
I have been married for almost 9 years and this is something that I always try to practice daily because it’s just an important part of marriage.
I’m so happy to hear that – and I’m sure you’re a great example to all those around you, including those older and younger when they hear you say “thank you” to your spouse! Thank you for dropping in and commenting!
Thank you for taking care of the kids while I managed all my crazy deadlines that were due before traveling, including dinner, medicine, dental care, etc etc!!
Such good additions to the list, Gina!
If I added mine to your list, it would have to be thank you for understanding that my mood swings often really are beyond my control, and gently guiding me back to what should be normal reactions to everyday events when I fly off into the deep end. I do try and say thank you to my husband, but I’m sure not nearly enough for all he does for me and our family.
Yup. Mood swings. (I’m with ya! ) And in the case of “thank you’s” – I’m a firm believer that there’s never too many said…
Thanks for a good reminder!
~Visiting from Reflect.