Appreciation
Expressing thanks, praise, or commendation, particularly in recognition of someone’s accomplishments or efforts.
I Corinthians 11:2
Colossians 3:15b
We have “appreciation days” for administrative assistants, for grandparents, for mothers, and fathers… But we don’t have appreciation days specifically allocated for spouses. Is it just me, or does that seem odd? Maybe it’s because we’re supposed to show our appreciation for them on a much more regular basis. 🙂 Would you set a special time this week to have an “Appreciation Day discussion” (Marriage Staff Meeting) so that we can have more and more “Appreciation Days”?
Be intentional about setting aside a few minutes this week or planning a date night to discuss Appreciation together.
Husband, would you lead this time by reviewing the statements to be completed or questions being asked so that you know how to make the most of your time? When you are ready, please initiate a “LOVE (Speak)” time with your wife.
LOVE (Speak) —
1. If a movie were made about the early days of your relationship, what current or former star would you choose to play “you” and what would be the title of the movie?
2. Before you married, how might you have described a “good husband” and a “good wife”? What factors helped shape those descriptions? (home of origin, media, friends) How have your descriptions changed?
3. As you work to be a good husband or good wife, how would expressed appreciation from your spouse help your marriage to grow? How could your spouse help you feel appreciated?
Finish these sentences:
I try to do a good job of __________________. (1 – 3 items)
When you say/do __________________ , I feel appreciated for what I do.
4. The Question(ask spouse): Would you tell me something that happened recently that made you feel happy, special, or fulfilled?
As your spouse answers the question, be ready to “rejoice with those who do rejoice”. Romans 12:15a leads me to respond to my spouse, “I am so glad that happened to you.”
5. The Other Question(ask spouse): Would you tell me something that happened recently that made you sad, disappointed, or hurt?
As your spouse answers the question, be ready to “mourn with those who mourn”. Romans 12:15 b leads me to respond to my spouse, “I am sorry that happened to you. It makes me sad to see how much that hurt you.”
What About the Kids?
1. When you were a child, how did the adults in your life show they appreciated you and the contributions you made to the family or to them personally? How would you have liked for appreciation to be shown?
2. As for your child(ren) or Child(ren) of Focus, how might you make a big deal of the things they do to help around the house? Could you create some age-appropriate tasks for them to do then notice it with appropriate appreciation?