Sometimes when I'm feeling a little down about life it helps if I stop and list all the things that I have to be thankful for. This exercise really helps me to take the focus off the negatives.
The same exercise can be specifically used in relation to our marriages to help us focus on all the 'good' in our guys rather than being tempted to look at the things they don't do so well, moaning about the habits that annoy us or even comparing them to the husbands of our friends.
I know when I'm feeling a little distant from my hubby or if we hit a patch that's a bit rocky, it's really hard to love and respect him as I should. It's at these times that I've sat down and listed all his traits and habits that I really admire/respect/love. Then I've listed all the things he does for me and our children and others around him (ministry etc). I also think back on difficult times that we have weathered together and joyous occassions we have shared. I list all the things that are unique to our relationship that I love and wouldn't change.
Very soon, I'm starting to feel warmth and love for him in a deeper way. I remind myself that I have a really wonderful guy and find myself very thankful for him and for the fact that I get to spend the rest of my life with him.
If we make an effort to see the positive's in our husbands we will find ourselves in a place where love and respect flow a little more effortlessly.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you". John 15:12
So will you take the challenge today and make lists (either just mental lists or on paper) of all the positives about your huband?
Step it up: If you want to take this challenge a step further, tell your hubby! Write him a note or love letter or find a quiet moment when the kids are in bed to tell your hubby about your list. Spent some time thanking him for the person that he is to you.
Let me know how you go!
Blessings and Love
(PS - I am focussing on the marriage relationship today but the principle of seeing the positives in people is certainly a good way to relate to other people in our lives)
The same exercise can be specifically used in relation to our marriages to help us focus on all the 'good' in our guys rather than being tempted to look at the things they don't do so well, moaning about the habits that annoy us or even comparing them to the husbands of our friends.
I know when I'm feeling a little distant from my hubby or if we hit a patch that's a bit rocky, it's really hard to love and respect him as I should. It's at these times that I've sat down and listed all his traits and habits that I really admire/respect/love. Then I've listed all the things he does for me and our children and others around him (ministry etc). I also think back on difficult times that we have weathered together and joyous occassions we have shared. I list all the things that are unique to our relationship that I love and wouldn't change.
Very soon, I'm starting to feel warmth and love for him in a deeper way. I remind myself that I have a really wonderful guy and find myself very thankful for him and for the fact that I get to spend the rest of my life with him.
If we make an effort to see the positive's in our husbands we will find ourselves in a place where love and respect flow a little more effortlessly.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you". John 15:12
So will you take the challenge today and make lists (either just mental lists or on paper) of all the positives about your huband?
Step it up: If you want to take this challenge a step further, tell your hubby! Write him a note or love letter or find a quiet moment when the kids are in bed to tell your hubby about your list. Spent some time thanking him for the person that he is to you.
Let me know how you go!
Blessings and Love
(PS - I am focussing on the marriage relationship today but the principle of seeing the positives in people is certainly a good way to relate to other people in our lives)
Have you heard of the "25 Things I Love & Appreciate About You" challenge? Writing 25 things like that about someone turns things around amazingly!
Hi Cath
I hadn't heard about that challenge but it's a good one. I love how positives can make such a difference.
I need to do this. In fact I'm going to do it right now because things are tense around here.
Hi Teresa
Praying that this exercise starts to make a positive change for you guys. All the best.
xoxo