Have you worked really hard on a project at work, to keep your home clean, to prepare a great meal or to fix something that had been needing repair? Did anyone notice or say “thank you for your hard work”? We don’t have to have a huge reward, right? But when others rarely or ever notice our efforts, it’s not a pleasant experience, is it? Is it possible that your spouse has felt unappreciated as well? Let’s work on communicating love to our spouse via Appreciation this week.
In this email, you’ll find the
“Need of the Week”
, which highlights one of the Top Ten Relational Needs.
Our
“LOVE(Speak)”
section contains five questions crafted to enhance communication as a couple. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our
“Q4K”
section, offering questions to use as you talk about these relational tools with your kids!
We have also included some
“Getting Started”
suggestions if you need a little direction as you begin.
Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or suggestions for us!
The TBI Ministries Team
Getting Started
Be intentional about setting aside a few minutes this week or planning a date night to discussAppreciation 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.
Need of the Week
Appreciation
Expressing thanks,praise, or communication,particularly in recognition of someone’s accomplishments or efforts.
I Corinthians 11:2, Colossians 3:15b
LOVE(Speak)
- How do you define “nagging”? How does “nagging” neutralize or prevent expressions of appreciation? How is “nagging” not “speaking the truth in love”?
- Why do you think “nagging” accomplishes so little toward building a healthy friendship in marriage? For what do you nag your spouse?
- Do you have to be overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude in order to appropriately show appreciation to another?
- What are some things your spouse does during the course of a week that are, in fact, praise-worthy and for which he/she should be shown appreciation?
- How do you indicate to your spouse that you appreciate him/her and what he/she does? What would your spouse say are ways he/she wants to be appreciated? Appreciation can be for effort as well as for accomplishments. Don’t you love it when folks recognize your efforts and take note of your hard work.
Q4K: Yours or Others’
It’s sometimes easy to feel that we’re “nagging” our kids about this or that, too, isn’t it? This week, let’s try to look for opportunities to tell our children that you appreciate it when they do something without being asked, obey the first time, or do a good job cleaning his or her room. Or maybe you can recognize their effort in a particular area, and tell them you notice that they are working so hard and that you appreciate that!