marriage – Smallchelle

6 months. In a lifetime that’s the total of how long the average person spends waiting at red lights. Lots of that time for me is spent being mom taxi… getting the kids to school, going to work, going to the grocery store or the gym… But occasionally the whole family piles into the car and we go somewhere together. We leave our street, turn the next corner, and there it is… A red light. I reach my hand over and take my husband’s hand. He gives my hand a little squeeze. He looks over at me and we lean towards each other… Here it comes… The Red Light Kiss.

It only takes a second. Such a simple act of affection. It’s not a big, gross public display, but a quick, quiet, nearly private “I love you.” Don’t worry, the kids won’t notice… they’re goofing off in the back seat… but even if they do, it’s just one more example to teach them how to treat their spouses when they grow up.

Marriages need affection other than sex. Sex is important for a whole host of reasons, but I’m not talking about that in this post. I’m talking about taking one of the most boring moments in a lifetime, waiting at a red light, and turning it into something special. Not just once, but as often as possible.

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
For your love is better than wine;
Song of Solomon 1:2

When was the last time you kissed your spouse just for the fun of it? A kiss with your spouse is different than any other kiss. Nobody has the same permission to kiss you like your spouse does. Nobody else’s kisses mean the same thing.

So next time you guys roll up to a red light, do it! Surprise your honey with a “red light kiss.”

Feel free to come back and leave a comment. I’m sure we’d all love to hear how it goes.

I love weddings! Such a special moment watching two people look each other in the eyes and pledge love and fidelity in front of God, family and dear friends. Last weekend I got to attend my cousin’s wedding on the beach. The sky was gray and overcast, but it wasn’t too cold and the rain we all dreaded stayed away. It was a beautiful ceremony. The bride was stunning, the groom her perfect handsome match.

The man she married is a chef, so I wrote a little something to share with them during the reception and I wanted to share it with you too. Every wedding I go to reminds me of my own wedding day, all the emotion, all the hopes and dreams for a “happily ever after.” Today I’m just marveling at how quickly the last 16 years of my own marriage have flown by.

The Recipe

Good marriages need a good foundation, a recipe if you like. Once you have the basic ingredients you can spice it up with all kinds of different stuff.

First you need love, it starts out hot and wild, but over the years it simmers down into the sauce that holds everything together.
Next you need respect, like your meat and veggies, it fuels daily life in a marriage.
Then you need patience, you can’t rush a good meal, and in marriage patience and grace for each other and yourselves will help you through the difficult times.
And you must have fun! Like dessert, it keeps marriage sweet. Never stop dating and romancing each other.
Last you need a dinner table, a safe place to share life. When the rest of the world tries to tear you down and wear you out your table is where you build each other up and encourage each other’s dreams.

Marriage can certainly be difficult at times but overall it should be a place of safety and joy. If your marriage is lacking in any of these things I highly recommend connecting with ministries like The Generous Wife and The Generous Husband. They send out daily emails with practical and biblical ideas for how to inspire all these things in your marriage.

I’d love to hear from you! What is some of the best marriage advice you’ve been given? Share in the comments so we can all be encouraged. As always, thanks for reading.

Posts Tagged with marriage

Red Light Kiss

5 Ingredients for a Delicious Marriage

The Recipe