Sometimes you get so busy and so focused on accomplishing things that you forget to focus on the relationships in your life.  I have been guilty of that lately, as there has been a lot going on in our household, and I have some goals and deadlines that I have to meet over the next 4-8 weeks.  My focus and much of my time has been there, and I haven’t spent as much quality time as I would have liked with my wife.  When this happens it is tough to function.  I’m sure she would say I am tough to deal with! 🙂

Want different results?  Do something different!

So this has lead me to think about what I can do to get back in the right direction, and get the most out of what God has for us in our marriage.  There is purpose in our marriage and I want to make it count.  Below are some things I plan to do over the next 7 days that I believe will help do this.  I am calling
them 7 Extraordinary, Yet Simple, Things You Can Do That Will Bless Your Spouse.  The list is geared toward husbands, but it applies to the wife’s perspective as well.  Also, notice that all can be done without spending a dime!  So your family budget doesn’t have to be impacted.

1. Apologize to her (or him).  Husbands, just like me, there is something you have done wrong in the past 7 days.  Find out what it is and apologize.  Even if you don’t know what it is, apologize.
2. Focus on her (or him).  Spend 30-minutes communicating without any distractions. Nothing but you and your spouse.  No phones, no computers, no TV, no kids, no music, nothing but the two of you.  (Note: do more listening than talking)
3. Feed her (or him).  Plan, prepare, serve, and clean-up a meal specifically for your spouse. Make something your spouse likes a lot.  Husbands if you don’t have the skills to prep her “fav dish” then try “her fav dish that you prepare.” 🙂
4. Leave her (or him).  Set up a time where your spouse can spend a few hours of time to themselves.  If you have kids, then take the kids somewhere and stay gone for a preset period of time.   If she/he prefers to be out of the house, then help her/him plan or make arrangements.
5. Join her (or him).  Find out one thing that your spouse really likes to do and do it with them.  If they have a favorite TV show, watch it with them.  Favorite hobby or activity, do it with them. Just make sure you do it on their terms (if they like silence during the show, then no talking!)
6. Relieve her (or him).  Your spouse has a thousand things to do this week, and a million things on their mind.  Provide a break for your spouse by taking on at least one thing that they normally do.
7. Compliment her (or him).  Every day, every week, every month your spouse does things that are to be appreciated, but nothing is said.  Look for opportunities to compliment your wife (or husband) on these everyday things, not just the “big” things.

If you are married this is your most important relationship, second to God, and it should be treated as such.  I encourage you to do each of the 7 simple things, and watch the extraordinary results that come.  After you do this, work on making them habits that you do regularly.

Question:  What can you add to this list?