Valentine's Day, Every Day
by Sheri Mueller

Prayer and Intimacy

Reading a daily devotional and spending time in prayer at bedtime brings us closer and initiates discussion after a long day. Even though Jim is fighting off sleep (and I could go on for hours), it still connects us to each other and to God. This is the deeper, fuller, richer intimacy God intends for us to share.

Serving

Have you ever thought of making breakfast for each other? If cooking is not your specialty, ordering out from a local restaurant is something Jim has done. I don't mind that he can't cook —I appreciate that he made the effort to surprise and serve me. Many Sunday mornings I make him homemade waffles or French Toast. The true way to his heart is food —especially chocolate chip cookies. Doing these things is a very simple way of serving him. I'm putting him first...before myself.

God called us to serve one another in love He also warns that "biting and devouring each other" will destroy us. No wonder so many relationships are in deep trouble. Our first human response is selfishness. We think of ourselves before we think of the lifetime partner God has given us. If we put God first in our lives and then our spouse, a marriage can grow in unimaginable ways.

Getaways

Jim and I are refreshed most when we take getaway weekends. When the kids were small, sometimes it was only a night or afternoon away. Today our getaway goal is several times a year. It is a time to get reacquainted with each other and remember why we fell in love to begin with. It helps us leave all the stress of home behind and just have time to focus on each other. We have often made major decisions about marriage, ministry and family during these times together.

Are you up to the challenge? Start with a Valentine's Day once a week. Go out for a cup of coffee, to a movie, or dinner together. Eat Order-in pizza over a tablecloth on your bedroom floor. Lock the door and tells the kids you can't be disturbed for a half-hour. Many couples are opposed to having a TV in the bedroom, but cuddling in bed while watching a movie can be lots of fun. It doesn't have to be an expensive evening. Be creative!

The love the Lord blessed you with should be celebrated more than once a year. Valentine's Day should be every day.

"Copyright © 2002 Sheri Mueller. All rights reserved.
Sheri Mueller is a Certified Marriage Mentor, with her husband Jim, at Willow Creek Community Church.
Jim and Sheri have two daughters, Kristin and Kendell, and live in the Chicago area. Read more from Sheri at Growthtrac."