As we were looking over the list of practices these real wives have shared, narrowing it to 50 wasn't easy. All of the suggestions were awesome, and quite frankly, there are some that I (Bridget) found eye-opening, and beneficial!
We
hope these will be a blessing to you and yours! And, of course, there
will be a Husbands to Wives list in the coming days - so, stay tuned!
*Ask him how you can pray for him at work. Later on in the week, get an update from him on what you’ve prayed for.
*Be proactive about doing something together that he really enjoys. Make a date, get him excited, and share his enthusiasm!
*Ask, “If I could do one thing that would really empower you and inspire you, what would it be?” Then listen, resist being defensive (the hard part), and follow through.
*Remind him of specific times when he’s made an impact on other people’s lives.
*Buy him something small to stoke the fires: A journal for a writer, some carpentry pencils for a woodworker, some grilling tools for the master chef. Add a sweet note: “Just because I love the way you’re made.”
*Think about a way you’ve been hurting him or annoying him. Or there may be ways you’re not “seeing” him—not stepping into his world to understand what it’s like to be him, with all of the things he cares about. Apologize, and work hard at showing true change.
*Find a mutually enjoyable activity you like doing together on a regular basis, even if it’s as simple as playing the Wii together after the kids are in bed.
*What’s difficult about his life right now? Pray for his endurance, and encourage him specifically. Galatians 6:9 is a great start for both. Think, What can I do to ease the load he’s carrying?
*Send a snail-mail love note to him at the office, affirming him in
his work.
*In his area of weakness, pray about how to subtly, gently step in and help him.
*Tell him what a great dad he is. Be specific.
*If and when he messes up, respond with the kind of grace, compassion, and mercy that God gives you. Respond in a way that communicates, You’re safe with me—and I’m not going to rehash your failures. This is a secure place for you to grow … and I love the journey with you.
To be continued...
*Ask him how you can pray for him at work. Later on in the week, get an update from him on what you’ve prayed for.
*Be proactive about doing something together that he really enjoys. Make a date, get him excited, and share his enthusiasm!
*Ask, “If I could do one thing that would really empower you and inspire you, what would it be?” Then listen, resist being defensive (the hard part), and follow through.
*Remind him of specific times when he’s made an impact on other people’s lives.
*Buy him something small to stoke the fires: A journal for a writer, some carpentry pencils for a woodworker, some grilling tools for the master chef. Add a sweet note: “Just because I love the way you’re made.”
*Think about a way you’ve been hurting him or annoying him. Or there may be ways you’re not “seeing” him—not stepping into his world to understand what it’s like to be him, with all of the things he cares about. Apologize, and work hard at showing true change.
*Find a mutually enjoyable activity you like doing together on a regular basis, even if it’s as simple as playing the Wii together after the kids are in bed.
*What’s difficult about his life right now? Pray for his endurance, and encourage him specifically. Galatians 6:9 is a great start for both. Think, What can I do to ease the load he’s carrying?
*Send a snail-mail love note to him at the office, affirming him in
his work.
*In his area of weakness, pray about how to subtly, gently step in and help him.
*Tell him what a great dad he is. Be specific.
*If and when he messes up, respond with the kind of grace, compassion, and mercy that God gives you. Respond in a way that communicates, You’re safe with me—and I’m not going to rehash your failures. This is a secure place for you to grow … and I love the journey with you.
To be continued...
I'm loving this 'series' ;-) Great suggestions!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving this 'series' ;-) Great suggestions!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see this, sis! We'll be coming with more ways husbands can inspire their wives! Stay tuned!
ReplyDelete