Saturday, October 25, 2008

Love Dare- Day 9!!

Yesterday's Followup: How hard was it to destroy the list? What are some positive experiences that you can celebrate in the life of your mate? How can you encourage them toward future successes?

Love Makes Good Impressions

Greet one another with a kiss of love.- 1 Peter 5.14

So far we're learning that aspects of love like patience, kindness and encouragement are not always easy but are crucial to a healthy relationship. Also important is the manner in which you daily greet your spouse (child).

You can tell a lot about the state of a couple's relationship from the way they greet one another. Their countenance will say it all... their expression, words they speak to each other and physical contact- all give it away.

The Bible has more to say about greetings than you might expect. Paul encouraged his readers to greet one another warmly when they met. Jesus noted in His Sermon on the Mount that even pagans speak kindly to people they like. But He took it a step further and said that being godly included being humble and gracious enough to address even your enemies with kindness.

So- the important question... How do you greet your friends, coworkers and neighbors? What about acquaintances an those you meet in public? If you answered nice and polite... doesn't your spouse (child) deserve the same? Times Ten??

You may not think about it when you wake up in the morning. The look on your face, the energy in your voice... but oh the difference it would make in your spouse's (child's) day if everything about you expressed the fact that you were really, really glad to see them.

When someone communicates that they are glad to see you your personal sense of self-worth increases. You feel more important and valued. That's because a good greeting sets the stage for positive and healthy interaction.

Think of the opportunities you have to greet your spouse (child.) It doesn't have to be bold or dramatic every time. But adding warmth and enthusiasm gives you the chance to touch your mate's heart in subtle, unspoken ways.

Remember, LOVE IS A CHOICE. So choose to love through your greeting!!

Today's Dare

Think of a specific way you'd like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and with enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them.

7 comments:

Denise said...

This dare was very easy for me, since I did not have a list of negatives about my lovebug. I told him how very proud I am of him for the dedicated worker he is. He told me that meant alot to him, I am so glad. Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for blessing me with such a dedicated, hard working husband. Everything he does, he does 100%. Amen

Mari said...

I didn't have a hard time getting rid of my list. I told Bob how much I appreciate him being a strong christian husband and father!

Unknown said...

This one wasn't to hard my list of neg was very short and the pos very long. I remind sweetman often how I appreciate all he does.

Chelle' said...

Wasn't hard for me to fire up the barb-e-que to burn up that list.

Now all I have to do is stay out of the depreciation room, remain his cheerleader and choose LOVE!

Some of the positive I can celebrate in my DH include his work ethic... his involvement with the children... and his humor. All of which contribute to his many past and future experiences.

Now, some business to tend to... Husband's business (a bank) was just bought. Not sure what, if any, impact it will have on our family... but please keep us in prayer.

See you all tomorrow for day 10! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? A quarter of the way done.

Anonymous said...

2 numbers stick out in my head tonight...
9 & 5477

9 days of this love dare stuff and

5477 days ago that I fell in love with my husband

And yet my heart still aches with loneliness. What is God trying to show me b/c I am tired of feeling of feeling scared to show my emotions. I am lonely what day is that covered in the book can we jump ahead?

sailorcross said...

I actually didn't burn my lists (of all 3 children) until last night. I wanted to wait until they had gone out to a friend's home and do this in the peace. I also didn't want them asking me why I'm starting a bonfire in the kitchen sink!!

Actually, it was a little difficult for me to do this--not because I didn't want to burn and destroy these--this just brought up some bad memories of doing something similar before.

And, also, making these lists made me really examine myself and all my negative attributes I display to my children. I really think I need to make a list for myself of my positive and negative and burn my own negatives also.

I've decided to write each of my children a letter and mail it to them asking for my forgiveness in some things that I have said and done in the past.

I've sought the Lord's forgiveness for these things, but I have never asked them directly. That will be on today's agenda also.

Beth

sailorcross said...

Sorry--just me again!! I wanted to add that I wrote in my own blog about why this "list burning" was difficult for me and also my specific "cheerings" for each child. Just too much to leave in a comment!!

If you care to read:

http:wwwthepowerofyourlove.blogspot.com

And believe me, I'm only able to do this through HIS power--not my own!!

Beth