"Behold you are handsome, my beloved! Yes, pleasant!..." Song of Solomon 1:16a
We all crave appreciation. We want to know that we are valued and loved. Early love letters probably reflected our admiration, but if we're not careful, our spouse will forget why we were drawn to him. If you still have any of your old love letters, re-read them for clues to deepen your current level of appreciation for your spouse. When we spend time criticizing our husbands, we lose time that could be spent admiring them. As you consider various ways to encourage your husband, ask, "How can I admire him?" Does your husband know that you think he is attractive? What was one of the characteristics in your husband that first drew you to him? Was it a physical characteristic, or something else? Was it his gentle, compassionate eyes? Kindness or concern for others? An easy-going confidence? A steadiness that comes from trusting in the Lord? Strength of character in a culture that lacks integrity? Do you see at least a glimpse of that characteristic in him today? Whatever it is, tell him!
4 comments:
What first attracted me to Steve? His red hair-- Gone, but not forgortten. His ability to "pick off" a runner on first on the ball field--Arthritis and hip replacement no longer permits. But his sense of humor, his clever wit, is stronger than ever.
How do I respond to his cleverness? Perhaps a good belly laugh will show my admiration better than my rolling eyes.
Yesterday as we left the darkened movie theater, I reached for his hand. It was dark, there were steps, it was a natural thing to do. But it also was a neat way to connect, to communicate I need you.
As I just finished my quiet time I began to journal what first drew me to Tom back in 1981...
his pure heart, his spiritual encouragement as I raised support w/ Campus Crusade, his joy in serving H.S. students in Houston, his boldness in sharing the Gospel, his faith in God vs. in himself or in his ministry, his fun loving nature and his gentlemanly manners.
What a man my Father gave me!
Cathy
Well, Corey and I started "dating" when we were 12. What attracted me to him at that time... I don't think as a woman I would be attracted to now... but there are things about him I love more today than I did before.
Today Corey asked me if I am "still doing the 30 day thing". After my response and a few minutes in conversation I realized I must be doing an awful job if he had to ask. I asked him to forgive me and told him I want to start over with a new fervor and to please be honest about my "progress". I thank God for Corey's ever growing patience with my short-comings.
My first class at the community college when I went back to school to get my graphic design degree was Illustration 1. I came home from my first night of class and told my mom about the "cute guy in my art class." I noticed how kind he was when he interacted with people, and he was so cute, but you could tell that he wasn't aware of it.
I would try to look extra-nice for class each week and my heart would race when he walked in. As I got to know him more, I fell for his subtle sense of humor (funny commentary on everyday events). I loved to just spend time with him. It didn't matter what we were doing.
I went back and read our early emails to each other and it makes me smile. We were treading so carefully, but there would be a sentence or two thrown in full of vulnerability. How fun to look back and be reminded of that!
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