The Date That Can't Wait!

“We love each other because he loved us first.” 1 John 4:19 (NLT) 

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you’re probably thinking of creative ways to make your spouse feel special. From planning romantic candlelight dinners to purchasing fancy flowers and chocolates. We go to great lengths to keep the flame burning. Statistics say roughly $1.8 billion will be spent on flowers during Valentine’s Day. 

But why do we wait until Valentine’s Day to make our spouses feel special? What if we treated each day as an opportunity to make them feel loved?  

First, let’s remember the reason we love our spouse is that God first loved us. Love comes from God. Love was His idea. Marriage was His idea. He dreamed it all up. 

If you’re like me, romance doesn’t come naturally to you. In my own experience, I’ve learned intentionality is vital if we want to cultivate romance. 

Don’t worry, there’s hope even for the most unromantic! With deliberate effort, you will see growth in this area of your marriage. Here are a few ideas to spark some romance with your spouse: 

1. Go on a date. Your dating days are not over when you say, “I do.” Keep pursuing your husband or wife in this manner. Go out on dates regularly.
2. Dress up. Remember the days when you went out of your way to look good for your spouse? Bring those days back! And here’s a tip: When your spouse gets dressed up for you, let them know how much you appreciate their effort.
3. Speak your spouse’s love language. From quality time to words of affirmation, physical touch, and acts of service, learn to speak each other’s love language.
4. Surprise your spouse. This shows that they’ve been on your mind and will make them feel valued. Preparing a hot bath, buying flowers, lighting candles, or even cleaning the house before your spouse comes home from work will keep your romance alive.
5. Pray together. For many, this is the most romantic thing a couple can do. Praying for one another increases vulnerability in a relationship, and as a result, builds trust.

Remember, what sparked romance a year ago might not work this year, so try switching things up. Keep your heart open this Valentine’s Day and let me know in the comments below how you’re planning to romance your spouse. 

Digging Deeper

1. Write down two ways you can lovingly surprise your spouse. Act on this today!
2. Schedule time to pray together as a couple.