Yesterday I decided to be a godly, loving, serving, wonderful, caring, gracious, Christlike, (humble?!) husband.

I did the dishes for my wife.

Am I a good guy or what?!

I’m a tool sometimes.

About halfway through the pasta dishes I suddenly realized- “I’m not doing the dishes for her.  I’m doing them for us.”

Dishes aren’t ‘her’ chore- they’re our responsibility.  Same with pretty much everything else around the house.  I can’t give birth- other than that, it’s all US.

PLEASE…serve your spouse.  But don’t act like you’re doing them a favor and expect something in return.

Last Friday night was great.  I went out with this blonde bombshell named Michelle.  We went to have dinner in Ancaster at this Italian place called Sfoozi’s, but it went bankrupt.  Not because of us!  It’s a shame, because we had a coupon.

So we grabbed Timmies and Starbucks and went to see The International at the new theatre in Stoney Creek.

Afterwards, we talked (and maybe argued a little!) politics all the way to dinner at The Keg (I love Air Miles!).  We wined (and beered?) and dined for a very long time, left so full we almost exploded.  Came home and absolutely crashed.

I love dating my wife.

Ladies and gentlemen- it took dating to woo a mate…why would you stop now that they are your spouse?!  It’s the ONE THING that you know works for sure!  Keep it up!

Here are just three reasons why dating works:

1. Time alone…focus, attention, exclusivity- believe it or not, your spouse doesn’t like sharing you sometimes.  With anyone…even their best friend, or family members.  Or with anything- especially your cell phone.

2. Communication…since you’re alone, you might as well talk.  Be intentional about discovering something new, offering encouragement, and showing support.  And bring God into the conversation.

3. It’s special. It’s different.  It’s unique.  It’s a break-out from the grind.  It’s a ‘Sabbath moment.’  It’s a rest from everything else.  So be creative.

Guys- you need to be more intentional about dating your wives.  Shave and dress up too.  Start planning surprises.  (especially if she’s a control freak).
Women- stop pointing the finger.  When was the last time you took your husband on a date, did things that he would like to do (did someone say food, sports, and sex?), and then PAID FOR THE WHOLE THING?!

So here is my challenge for you as a couple:  Go on a weekly date.

“But that’s expensive!”

SO IS DIVORCE.

And it doesn’t have to be expensive— if you use that God-given grey matter.  Get creative.
Have a great weekend lovebirds-  I can’t wait to hear the stories on Monday.  Now I gotta go plan a date…

Jay

There is nothing better than written communication.  My wife and I used to sneak notes to each other in grade eight.  We wrote love letters to each other when she was in Africa.  And we still write letters to each other today.

Every 2 months we sit down and write each other a letter.  We talk about the ups and the downs of the last 8 weeks.  We gently address the areas where we’d like to see the other person improve.  We encourage each other and praise them for the good and the great that they have achieved in the past few weeks.  We write prayers or verses or words of encouragement for each other.  We bless and lavish encouragement on each other.  Every single letter brings a smile and a laugh, and sometimes a tear.  Always joy.

It forces you to remember why you love each other.
It reminds you of what’s really important.
It leaves a record that you were, indeed, in love.  Who knows who it will bless in the future- your widowed spouse, your kids, or your grandkids.  Maybe it will even bless you again after they have passed on.

When you were dating, did you ever write a love letter?

Maybe it’s time to start again. And again.  And again.

Jay