Little Things Mean A Lot

Whitney Hopler

A smile, a hug, some help with a chore - it doesn't take much to bless your spouse. Even small efforts can make a big difference in the quality of your marriage. So devote some time and energy every day to doing little things to fuel the flame of love between you and your husband or wife.

Here are some little things you can do that would mean a lot in your marriage:

• Prepare a special meal for your spouse, then enjoy eating it with him or her.
• Take out the garbage without being asked.
• Say "I love you" as often as you can.
• Talk together about your dreams for the future.
• Hold hands.
• Give your spouse a surprise gift of some kind. It doesn't have to be expensive.
• Compliment your spouse in front of other people.
• Actively listen to what your spouse says, without interrupting or using the time to think of what you would like to say next.
• Laugh together about something.
• Get together with another couple to enjoy an outing as friends.
• Check with your spouse before making plans for an appointment. Remember to ask for your spouse's input while planning your schedule.
• Say "thank you" as often as you can.
• Resolve your arguments before going to bed each night.
• Pray together often.
• Watch a sunrise or sunset together.
• Write your spouse occasional love notes. They don't have to be long - just sincere.
• Spend at least one hour each week working with your spouse on a project that you share.
  

Adapted from Tender Thoughts for Couples: Wisdom for Keeping Your Marriage on the Same Page by Clara Hinton, copyright 2002 by New Leaf Press, Green Forest, Ark., www.newleafpress.net.

Clara Hinton is married to John Hinton and is passionate about couples achieving unity by placing God at the heart of their marriages.

What small efforts have you made lately to bless your husband or wife, and how have those little things helped your marriage in big ways? Visit Crosswalk's forums to discuss this topic by clicking on the link below.