Day 32: A Cup of Water in My Name

The other day, I won a coupon for a free slice of pizza from a nearby pizza place we like. So last night, I slipped the coupon in your wallet. I hope you enjoy it because I was looking forward to that slice! Then, when I crawled into bed, I noticed that the cup of water you keep beside our bed was empty. You like to keep it full in case you get thirsty at night. I refilled it for you so you wouldn’t have to get up if you got thirsty. I hope these little acts of kindness work together to make a big difference in our marriage.

 

 

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Day 31: Foot Washing

Since our Lord commanded his followers to wash each other’s feet, tonight I washed yours. While you were sitting on the couch, I knelt by your feet with a pot of warm water and a towel and washed your feet.  Afterwards, I massaged them with a lavender salt scrub. You’re becoming very suspicious of my kind acts. At the least, you think my sudden change in behavior is bizarre. I explained to you that I’m trying to show you I love you and you said you’re fine with that!

I have to say: it feels weird writing this blog without you knowing. Sometimes, you walk in the room when I’m on it. My heart races, I sweat, and I get a pit in my stomach. I just hope I can keep this blog a secret because I want to see the look on your face when I tell you about it. I hope it ends up being the blessing of all blessings for you.

Day 30: Date Night

Having a newborn around makes it nearly impossible to go out on a date. So, yesterday I took you on a date without us leaving the house. In preparation, I watched the kids while you got ready just like you would for a real date. Then, I picked flowers for you–yes, I resorted to picking flowers; see day 2. You laughed at them because they paled in comparison to the roses I brought you last week. I suppose you’re beginning to expect great things from me. After we put the girls to bed, we sat down for our date, which involved watching Jane Eyre (2011), eating dark chocolate and popcorn, and drinking sparkling pink lemonade. Oh, it also involved our newborn who wanted to coo more than watch the film (how uncultured!). At the end of the night, I got a kiss. Though our date wasn’t earth shattering, I think it made you feel special.

Day 29: The Man of Your Dreams or Something Like That

The other day you told me that you have a recurring dream in which I tell you you’re not the most beautiful person I know. It takes place at a party where I keep talking to other girls instead of you. When you ask me why I’m talking to them, I tell you that they’re prettier than you. Wow! Here’s something you need to know–the man in your dream is an impostor. Next time you see him, ask him a question that only I would know the answer to.  I bet he’ll walk away flustered. When you told me about your dream, I responded with a joke (oops!). I guess that wasn’t the reaction you wanted. So, today I actually did something to assure you that I think you’re the most beautiful girl I know. I wrote you a letter praising your beauty and sent it to you in the mail. I can’t wait to see your reaction when you get that letter.

Day 28: Coupons and Bossypants

Yesterday I wrote you out a “coupon” good for any three chores/tasks you’d like me to do in our home. Once you specify the chores, they’ll be my top priority! (I’ll report back on this blog once I’ve finished the tasks.) I admit that you often ask me to do things around the house, I say I’ll get around to them, and I never do. I’m sorry.

By the way, yesterday I picked up Tina Fey’s Bossypants from the library for you (see day 15) . I’m surprised it took so long to arrive, but at least it’s here. You glowed with delight when I gave you the book and you immediately started reading it. I’d like to read it as well. Maybe we can do it together.

Day 27: Song of Solomon

For my 27th act of love, I read to you from Song of Solomon and asked you to imagine that we were speaking to each other. Here are some verses that I emphasized as an expression of my thoughts for you:

    Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves (1:15).

    As a lily among brambles, so is my love among the young women (2:2).

    You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you (4:7).

PS: Here’s one from our reading that I underplayed (though I’m sure those ANE women really swooned over it!)!

    Your neck is like the tower of David, built in rows of stone (4:4).

Day 26: Love Is Not Self-seeking

Last night while we watched a movie, I brushed your hair. (Can I be honest? Though I enjoyed doing it, I didn’t do it with the best attitude.) You’ve told me that you enjoy having your hair brushed, especially by me, but I haven’t done it much. Why not, though? I know you enjoy it and it’s not difficult. Why do I often choose laziness over service? Why do I consistently choose my interests over yours? I’m not sure, but I know this–“love is not self-seeking” (I Cor. 13:5). Selflessness is necessary for a loving relationship. In order to grow in love for you, I must daily deny myself and serve you. I hope that during this year, my character strengthens enough that I commit these acts of service from a genuine desire for your well being. May God help me in this pursuit. I cannot do it alone.

Day 25: Pedicure

Lately, you’ve been exhausted because of our newborn, so yesterday I chose an act that would give you some rest and rejuvenation–I watched the kids with my brother while you went out with my sister-in-law to get a pedicure. You seemed to enjoy yourself because you came back giddy and glowing. On top of that, you gave me a warm, intimate hug and thanked me for letting you go. Just seeing and experiencing you that way made me feel happy and refreshed. Your french tips look great, by the way. They complement your natural beauty.

Day 24: Christ’s Love

After the wedding yesterday, I wrote you this letter:

My Beloved,

As I listened to the wedding ceremony, I considered Paul’s command for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Christ’s love for us surpasses understanding and includes his excruciating death on our behalf. In our marriage, I have failed miserably to live up to Christ’s standard. Please forgive me. For consistently putting myself before you, forgive me. For my careless and hurtful words, forgive me. For not appreciating the sacrifices you make to let me pursue my dreams, forgive me. For not loving you as I should, forgive me. Please know that I desire to love you sacrificially and I think I’m daily becoming more like Christ (though the likeness isn’t great). Thank you for your patience as I strive to love you fully.

Your Beloved.

Day 23: Friends and Flowers

Some men complain about their wives to each other. When I talk about you around other men, I want everything I say to be positive. Last night I went out with the groomsmen after the wedding rehearsal. I tried to find an opportunity to praise you in conversation with at least one of the guys. This ended up being difficult because none of our conversations were serious. However, on the way home, some of us began to talk about the women in our lives. One of the guys told me that I should count myself lucky to have you because you’re so incredible. Naturally, I took the opportunity to extol your virtues–that you’re stunningly beautiful, a godly woman of character, and super fun to be around–and I confessed that I don’t appreciate you like I should. The rest of the way home, we stopped at every place we could think of that might be open (it was 1 AM) to buy you some roses. Finally, we struck gold with a 7-Eleven. When you wake up tomorrow morning to a rose bouquet in a vase on the table, I hope you realize how beautiful you are to me and how much I love you.