There’s just over a week left before we ring in the new year. Wow! It’s hard to believe that we will not only be celebrating a new year but a new decade! I’m grateful to be alive to see it. But, I’m especially grateful because, within the first 10 days of the new year, I’ll be celebrating 18 years of marriage to my husband. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing as we’ve come through some troubled waters with prayer, petitions, and professional guidance. As a couple, we’ve learned one of the most important ways to not only sustain but strengthen a marriage year after year is you must be willing to serve your spouse. So, for the first 10 days of the new decade, here are 10 ways you can serve your spouse.
10 Ways to Serve Your Spouse for 10 days Starting Jan 1
In this article:
- Pray for their dreams
- Watch their favorite show with them
- Give them a foot rub
- Clean their car
- Take one thing off their plate
- Go to bed at the same time
- Express gratitude every day
- Ask how you can serve them
- Think about something they need or want, then make it happen
- Pray for their heart
Pray for their dreams
The first, best way you can serve your spouse is to pray for them. But, I wanted to be specific in the first 10 days. With the start of not only a new year but a new decade, your spouse might be dreaming big. Whether it’s becoming a self-sufficient entrepreneur or writing a new book, pray for the success of their goals and dreams in the new year.
Watch their favorite show with them
You might be wondering how watching a show is a form of service. Well, I know when my husband takes the time to enjoy a show he’s not particularly interested in just so we can be together, it reinforces his willingness to deny himself for me. His self-denial means he wants to spend time with me doing something I enjoy. That effort doesn’t go unnoticed.
Give them a foot rub
Nothing says service like a great foot rub. After a long hard day, all your spouse wants to do is take a load off and relax. With a foot rub, you can both ease their physical pain and give them a chance to talk about their day. Your service allows them to both physically and emotionally relax.
Clean their car
No one likes a dirty car. But, there are days and weeks where the time to clean your vehicle just evades you. If your spouse is constantly on the go and their car is paying the price for it, a great opportunity to serve is at hand. Whether you clean it yourself or take it to a full-service car wash, your spouse will be glad you did.
Take one thing off their plate
In any good marriage, each partner does their part to pull their weight. He has his chores, she has hers. But, some days are better than others. If you notice your spouse seems to be more tied up than usual, find something they would normally do, and take care of it. Whether it’s the laundry or the evening meal, take one of their responsibilities and make it yours.
Go to bed at the same time
Do I really need to say why? Well, in addition to the chance to have mind-blowing sex, going to bed together strengthens your intimate and spiritual connection. You have an opportunity to talk and even pray together before calling it a night. And whether you make love or just cuddle your way to a good night’s rest, you’re going to sleep with a smile.
Express gratitude every day
I know that this article is all about the first 10 days in January, however it should go without saying that you should express your love and gratitude for your spouse every day. You build their confidence in your relationship and reinforce your love for them. That not only serves them, but it serves you as it forces you to pay close attention to your relationship.
Ask how you can serve them
Sometimes, in an effort to serve my spouse, I like to do things that I know he’ll enjoy. However, sometimes, the timing just isn’t right…even things that he enjoys. One great way I figure out what he needs is I simply ask him. He does the same with me. Whether I have a lot going on or he’s just in the mood to serve me, asking the question gets him five stars!
Think about something they need or want, then make it happen
While asking your spouse what they need is highly recommended, so is the well-timed surprise. Pack their lunch for the day. Pick up their clothes from the cleaners. Fill their tank with gas. Whatever act of service you can perform that makes you seem clairvoyant, do it and let the sunshine into your relationship.
Pray for their heart
I wanted to start and end this list with prayer because that is where most marriages either succeed or fail. Pray for your spouse’s heart to be spiritual and emotionally protected. In order for them to recognize and appreciate all of your acts of service, pray that their heart remains strong no matter what comes your way.
A marriage survives off of many things, but it thrives off of prayer, service, and most importantly, a fierce and true love. Start off the new decade serving your spouse and keep it going for decades to come.
BMWK, what ways are you serving your spouse?
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