Update: Congratulations to our winners, Glynda, Kari Ani, and Casey!
Relationships are hard work. Plain and simple. They require time and energy and forgetting ourselves. They shape us into who we are becoming and change who we thought we were. They are the very best type of hard work.
A lot of relationships come and go throughout our lives. Friendships change with distance, job changes, and new seasons. Our relationships with our parents change as we leave the nest and again when we begin our own families. Our relationships with our children change as they enter new stages and gain independence.
But there’s this one beautiful relationship that stays with you through all seasons, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse. And it’s sometimes the one that’s easiest to neglect. Today, let’s all take a little bit of time to encourage our husbands, the men who faithfully stand beside us through every single one of life’s twists and turns.
Here are 5 ways to encourage your husband:
1. Say thank you. When he opens the door, does the dishes, or remembers to put the toilet seat back down. Even if it’s something you expect of him or have come to take for granted, saying thank you lets him know that you notice the little things he does to show you love.
2. Listen well. Put away the distractions (looking at you, iPhone) and genuinely listen to what he’s saying. Whether he’s having a problem at work or is talking about his favorite player’s dislocated shoulder, prove that you’re listening by asking questions and remembering to ask him about it later.
3. Be his biggest fan. When you’re around your friends, speak highly of him. Talk about his promotion, how great he is with your kids, or how good his new haircut looks. Bragging on him publicly is a great way to affirm how much you appreciate, love, and admire him. (And that you think he’s pretty cute, too.)
4. Teach your kids to build him up. If you have young kids, spend a little bit of arts and craft time making thank you notes or drawings for daddy. Knowing that you and the kids are thinking about him when he’s not there is sure to make him smile.
5. Pray for him. Pray about what is going on in your lives as a couple, but also ask him how you can pray for him specifically. You never know what kind of conversations this could open the door to, and it will make your husband feel loved to know that you’re keeping him in your prayers.
What do you think? What are some of the best ways you’ve found to encourage your husband? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Today we’re giving away 3 advance reader’s sample copies of Jackie Bledsoe’s The 7 Rings of Marriage, a book that will equip you and your husband to thrive in every stage of marriage. To enter to win, simply fill out the form below.
By entering today’s giveaway, you acknowledge Lifeway Christian Resources’ official promotion rules. Today’s giveaway starts at the posting time of this blog and ends Monday (02/01/2016) at noon (12:00 pm) CST. You must be 18 to enter, and you may only enter once. The winner will be selected at random. Only participants who live in the United States or Canada are eligible to win. For questions about the rules and regulations of this giveaway, please contact Heather Warfield at One Lifeway Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-140.