Springtime renewal...

     Well, after a winter of crazy, unpredictable weather, it appears spring has finally sprung.  At least officially it has. Allergies aside, I love spring because for me it represents an awakening.  What was once dormant explodes into vibrant renewal, as flowers bloom, trees bud, new life and new growth abound.  It is a wonderful time to be consistently reminded of God’s grandeur all around us.

     But spring can also serve as a time of renewal and growth for your covenant marriage relationship.  With spring now upon us, what can you do to breathe “new life” into your marriage?  Whether by choice or by circumstance, is there is an area of your relationship with your spouse that has been minimized or maybe even neglected all together?  If so, now is the time to allow a “springtime renewal” into your relationship.

     Here are some thoughts to help your covenant marriage leap into a vibrant, colorful “springtime” of revival:

• Commit yourself to pruning away distractions so that you can really listen to your spouse
• Say something encouraging to your mate every single day
• Awaken a revived intimate connection by holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes more
• Let this spring become a new season of praying with your spouse and not just for your spouse
• Look for the little kindnesses you can do for your mate to make his/her life easier
• Forgive, so that new life isn’t consistently stomped down by old hurts
• Re-engage with your children (guys, you’d be surprised how much it excites your wife to see you caring about your family)
• Take walks together and enjoy God’s creation
• Create something for your lover (a song, a poem, a drawing)
• Read through 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 together and then be patient, be kind, don’t be rude, don’t hold grudges…
• Laugh together
• Have date nights again
• Fix a special meal or favorite dessert for your spouse
• Cuddle up together on a chilly night and watch a favorite TV show or movie
• Find new ways to serve together, so that you can share your life in Christ with others

It doesn’t matter what you do.  It doesn’t have to be elaborate, or cost anything, or take inordinate amounts of time.  Just do something that will bring life, and hope, and goodness to your marriage relationship.