A Matter of Habit

 It is often said that if you want something to become a habit you have to do it for 21 (or more) consecutive days.  What habits do you have that enrich and strengthen your marriage.  Taking just a few minutes each day can have a huge impact on your marriage.  Want some ideas?

1. Pray for and/or with your spouse every day - Praying with your spouse is uncomfortable for many couples as it requires vulnerability and openness.  But the benefits are huge.  Pray for your husband to have a calm day at work; pray for your wife and her relationships with others; pray with your spouse concerning family issues, financial decisions, your sex life, work life and other issues that are critical to your relationship.
2. List three things about your spouse you are thankful for each day.  Write them in a journal or notebook.  Periodically, let your spouse know why you are thankful they are in your life.  Be specific.  Periodically jot it down in a note, a poem or a card.  A person cannot be thankful and critical at the same time.  We are called to be a people of thanksgiving.  
3. Do something nice for your spouse every day.  This does not have to be a huge act.  Load the coffee pod for them, put toothpaste on their toothbrush if you get up first, stop and pick up a few wildflowers for your wife on the way home.  The structure of a marriage is not built with huge acts of kindness but a lifetime of small acts of kindness.
4. Compliment them.
5. Thank them.
6. Want to add some romance...Kiss your spouse for 90 seconds every day for the next 21 days.  After a few decades of marriage we get into the habit of a quick "peck" when we say goodby.  When you leave the house each morning make sure the kiss lasts 90 seconds for the next few weeks. 

Scripture:  Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  

1 Thess.  5:18

Prayer:  Father create in me a thankful heart and instill in me habits of thankfulness.