Recently, my husband and I had the wonderful privilege of speaking at a Marriage Retreat attended by several local churches. We shared how the Lord has worked in our 23 years of marriage, both in the good times and the difficult times. We encouraged all those that attended to pray together every day, along with some helpful tips in how to communicate better. It was a weekend filled with encouragement from God’s Word on how to have a blessed marriage.
As I reflect on all the Lord did over this weekend, with couples from all stages of life, I realize all the more that marriage is a journey. It goes through many seasons in life. It is not just the covenant that is made on the day you say “I do”, it is a lifetime of “I do’s”. Daily choices and behaviors that shape how we love each other and how we feel about each other.
You may think this is a small thing, but I see it as a sacrificial loving act, lived out each day! I don’t remember the exact day he started, but know it has been at least a year now. Yet, as I watched my husband make my coffee in a hotel room on a recent trip we went on, it hit me… he really loves me!!!
Why, you ask? He makes your coffee, what’s the big deal? Well, I am quite particular about my coffee, actually a bit difficult. I have been in an ice coffee stage now for about 18 months. Yes, even in the winter, I prefer iced coffee. When we get to travel, especially in Europe where they think this is crazy, it makes it more challenging.
So while I am still sleeping, my husband gets dressed just to go upstairs to get ice and milk to make me my iced coffee. And when I wake up, it is ready for me.
The other day, I watched as he prepared it and realized how much he loves me. It is in doing for each other, realizing we are a team – that we “feel” loved each day.
My challenge is that my husband is so self-sufficient and is more happy to serve than be served so I am going to specifically ask the Lord how I can bless him each day – since he no longer drinks coffee!
Why don’t you try this too…either ask your spouse, or pray for God to show you how you can bless them, whether it be just for today, or something you can do each day for them. The little things do make a difference!