Marriage Monday

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"Marriage Monday" is a time to share about marriage.  It is hosted over at Chrysalis.  The topic for today's Marriage Monday is "How To Celebrate February 14 Every Day of the Year."  

Just this weekend, I put out some cute Valentine's Day decorations in my home, have been experimenting with some special cakes for Valentie's Day and already feeling excited about showing extra special love to my family!  It seems that Valentine's Day - with it's stigma for romance and anticipation of showing love to others, strikes a chord in my heart and I anticipate this special day each year. 

In a marriage, shouldn't every day feel like that?  It should, but...when you are tired and he is grumpy and there is a sink full of dirty dishes and loads of laundry etc....loving feelings seem to be way down on the list of priorities!

Since in every marriage and home there will always be chores and activities clamoring for your time, energy and effort, a firmly planted effort to show love which is first fixed in the mind, will spill over into the actions.  *While* doing the chores, what can be done to show love?  Since we have to cook anyway, what are his favorite meals?  While we are doing the laundry, is his favorite shirt clean?  By being sensitive to his desires, the very act of daily tasks can be a blessing. 

Any couple who has been married awhile knows the comfortable familiarity that comes from years of being together.  Although it is good that we know our spouse so well, it is easy to forget to give that special attention that sparks romance.  By giving a pleasant tone of voice, looking attentively at them while talking to them, smiling at them when they come home, having a special surprise on occasion are just a few ways to keep those loving feelings alive. A gentle touch, special laugh and things shared just between the two can keep the bonds of love strong.  Now, I certainly have not mastered these, but plan to put them in practice day by day in my home!

The most valuable source of love comes from our Heavenly Father who loves us and fills us with His love which we can extend to others.  When those times come where we are tired of giving and doing, His Word can refresh and renew the attitude of the heart.  Galatians 5:13 tell us "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."  There can be joy in serving when we follow the example of Jesus.  Mark 10:43-53 "Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  

As we tap into God's great love, may we reflect and refresh others and keep that Valentine's Day feeling alive all through the year!