This is a special time of year for me. I’ve always loved watching the leaves show off their colors, but now it also reminds me of my anniversary. I can’t believe it’s been six years already.
Each anniversary makes me reflect on all the time that’s passed, and while I know many of you are probably reading this and thinking six years isn’t very long, I know six more years will pass in a blink. I’ll be asking myself again where has the time gone?
I’m doing my usual reflecting this year, but there’s also this yearning for the time to slow, just a little. I have no desire to go back in time: we’ve already grown more than I could’ve imagined, and I’d never sacrifice that. I look forward to seeing how we grow from here; I just wish the time would pass just a little slower.
I want to soak in every minute I can. And my reflections this year are causing me to ask myself if I’m making the most of the time we have. Am I treating my husband like the treasure he is?
The answer I’ve come to is yes and no.
I don’t think reflection can ever lead us to land on just one side of right. We tend to be somewhere in the middle, because we do many things right, but we do just as many wrong, and then there are some things we do that are steps in the right direction but could use some improvement.
I know I fall into both camps, but the biggest thing I see right now that I could do better is to pay attention to the little things. I’m a firm believer we show our love for others, or lack of it, in the little things.
Randy is so good at the little things. He likes to fix me my favorite juice in the evenings, insists on putting himself between moving cars and me while walking on a sidewalk or through a parking lot, and still opens the door for me.
He’s so good at the little things I wonder how I can do the same for him, so I’ve brainstormed a list of what I can do that’ll have a big impact on him. And just maybe this list can help you, too.
10 Little Things to Do For My Spouse
#1 – Pray
Every time I think of him throughout the day, I could say a prayer for him related to what I’m thinking about.
#2 – Text
We text each other once a workday, and he’s usually the first. He probably would love it if I texted him first more often.
#3 – Talk
Randy’s the more talkative one in our relationship; sometimes I just don’t feel like talking. I’m sure it’d mean a lot to him if I made the effort.
#4 – Love Notes
We do this sometimes, but I could leave him post-its in his lunch box, in the car, or at his place at the table more often to remind him of my love, thoughts, and encouragement.
#5 – Chores
I could help him with his chores, even if it’s just to be the go-getter or keep him company.
#6 – Respond Well
Sometimes we have a hard time with life, and we may be a little tense with others as a result without even realizing it. When he’s having one of those times, I could do better at responding with a listening ear and a kind tone.
#7 – Tell Him
Each day he needs to hear one thing I love about him.
#8 – Smile
I’m one of those people who wears my ‘mean’ face even when I’m fine. We joke about it a lot, but sometimes I could just smile more. He needs to see me enjoying our life together.
#9 – Ask
Communication is always a big thing in relationships, and it’s easy to mix signals. Sometimes I just need to ask him if he’s getting what he needs.
#10 – Just Do It
I’m talking about doing those things that I don’t particularly care for but he loves: like watching car shows or a comedy. Bet you thought I was talking about something else, didn’t ya? š
These are little things but I know they’ll mean a lot to him, especially when he knows I’m going out of my way to do something for him.
What would you add to your list for you and your spouse? Let me know in the comments.
And here are some resources just for you if you liked this post!
- 5 Things My Husband Does from HISsparrowBlog
- How to Appreciate Your Spouse’s Unique Personality from Focus on the Family
- 130 Cute Ways to Say I Love You to Your Spouse from Vibrant Christian Living
You two are so sweet!
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Visiting from Coffee for Your Heart link up. These are great reminders no matter how long you have been married for. I know I get too focused on things I need to just be more present! Sweet blessings to you!
Hi, neighbor! That’s a great reminder: sometimes we have to remember to focus on the ones who matter instead of the to-do list. Thanks for stopping by Cheryl! Blessings to you.
What a great –and doable and free!– list of things to do for your spouse! I think we all need the reminder to be intentional with our relationship now and then… good for you for doing that consistently! Happy Anniversary!
Thank you, Karrilee! I pray this list helps someone. Not sure I do that as consistently as I should. š Thanks for stopping by.
Happy anniversary! What a sweet list of things you can do for your spouse. I pray you find such joy each day as you celebrate each other.
Thank you, Mary!
Such a sweet post! Iāve been married way longerā¦and the little things still mean so much ā and say so much, too!! Happy Anniversary!!
Yep. The little things mean a lot. Thank you for stopping by!
I love this list! Itās always good for me to remind myself of all the things my husband does for me and think about ways I can bless him!
It’s easy to overlook some things, Deborah. And it’s especially easy to overlook being a blessing to them sometimes. Thanks so much for stopping by, and blessings to you and your relationship!
Happy anniversary, Ashley! Pinning and tweeting your post. Blessings to you!
Thank you, Sarah! Blessings to YOU!
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Simple, yet so meaningful. Small things that can bring huge blessings.
Yes, they can, Lureta. Thanks for stopping in.
I’m going to have to call b.s. on these 10 things only bc I do everyone of those things and much more and rarely do I even get a response from my guy. Im pretty sure that he just doesn’t have any feelings for me but I dont know because he won’t communicate with me period I’ve tried and tried and Ive prayed for the right words to say to him but nothing works. He’s stays mad at me or at least sounds mad but says he just talks that way but oddly used to not talk to me that way and never talks to his “friends” that way pretty much just lets them take advantage of him. So this ended up being my way to vent I guess. Thanks
I’m so sorry you’re frustrated, Aleigh. Marriage, or any relationship really, can feel hopeless when it seems like you’re the only one trying to improve. We just can’t make another person change; We can only control our own actions and reactions. I’m not trying to give you marriage advice, and I certainly would not advise you to stay in an abusive relationship, but in the spirit of the post above, this isn’t about what you get but what you give. The little thingsālike tone of voiceācan go a long way in showing your love. Again, I’m so sorry you’re frustrated, and I pray you’ll see the love of Christ reflected in your relationship with your husband. God bless.
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This is great advice for my sons and other family members…so I’m passing it on…
I’m so glad you found this helpful! Blessings to you!