Marriage from A to Z

“What makes your spouse happy?”

This picture represents a husband doing something just to make his wife happy. Ever since we have been married, my husband has said that he does not like taking pictures. However, I really enjoy taking pictures. I see pictures as creating memories and I always want to have pictures for us and our children to look back on. On the day that this picture was taken, we had been out and my husband was ready to go in the house to relax. As soon as we went in the house, I said let’s go out back and take a picture. It was a beautiful day, and I just wanted to capture it. My husband could have said no, “I don’t feel like it!” Instead, he went out back to take the picture. Now trust me, it doesn’t always go this way but on this day, he went with it! Seeing the picture reminded me that he didn’t really want to take the picture, but he did it, just to make me happy!

Are you willing to do something just because it makes your spouse happy? Maybe you are not married but you can relate to someone doing something just to make you happy. I believe this is one of the keys to a happy marriage. This week, I want to encourage you to do something special for your spouse just because you know it will make them happy. If you are not married you can still participate by praying about who God would have you to bless.

Before I go any further, let me just clarify, I am talking about doing good things. I am not talking about doing anything that is unlawful, unethical or contrary to the Word of God. Making your spouse happy may require you to do something that you don’t feel like doing, however, it’s okay to sacrifice, be inconvenienced and step out of your comfort zone to make your spouse happy. You may not do it every time but be mindful of this throughout your marriage years.

What’s really great is when both the husband and the wife have the same desire, to make each other happy. This is not a one-sided thing, the goal should be mutual. In I Corinthians 7:33-34 the Bible says “But he who is married cares about the things of the world–how he may please his wife. . . But she who is married cares about the things of the world –how she may please her husband. To please your spouse is to make them feel happy, satisfied or to give pleasure. If you are not sure about what really makes your spouse happy, ask them! After you ask, be intentional about doing it!

Until next time . . .

Carolyn