When was the last time you encouraged your spouse? I know most of us are grateful to God for our spouses. I remember living in my apartment (pre-marriage) all by myself (cue Celine Dion) praying that God would intervene and give me a spouse. It seems though that as life goes on, I have drifted from the encouragement that God has given me a spouse to thinking that she was what I deserved. This is demonstrated in my lack of gratefulness to God for her and my lack of expressing to her exactly what a blessing she is to me.
For many families, having another child (or a first one) is a time where emotions are high and relationships don’t deepen, but I am asking God to do something great in our lives in these days as we get into life together with Gabriel. One subtle direction I am trying to walk in is to encourage my wife. I seek to do this in word and deed. I know I can do much better in this area. As I lay down my own selfish desire to be served and give myself fully for her, then God can use this to deepen our relationship with one another. God has given me the ability to open my mouth and life in a way that encourages my wife. Therefore, it is a matter of being faithful to Him and watching God bless us through this path.
Related to this idea were some recent posts from C.J. on our role as men to plan the family vacation. These thoughts get at some of the same things. Look for ways to serve your spouse and children, men. You are the leader and set the tone accordingly.
Here are C.J.’s posts: