Intimacy Challenge - Day 2 | Journey to Surrender

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Intimacy Challenge - Day 2

2:00 AM | Posted by Scott | Edit Post

My apologies for the confusion over the two Day 1 posts. There were several problems. First of all the posts for husbands and wives went out in one email under the subject of the husband’s challenge. Then I further complicated matters by several cut and paste errors where I neglected to change “husband” to “wife” in the husband’s post.

If you were confused, you weren’t alone. Thanks for your patience.

For the remaining twelve days of the challenge, in order to simplify things, I’m going to write a single daily post with clearly marked separate sections for wives and husbands. Simply read and do the section that applies to you.

Day 2 for Wives
Celebrate Your Husband

Every marriage has struggles and challenges. Yours is no exception.

You have the power to make your marriage different from other marriages by where you choose to place your focus. Our human nature has us focus on the things that are wrong, the things we lack, or the things we wish were different. The truth is that whatever you choose to focus on grows. Today I’m challenging you to think differently from the norm - to change your focus.

Right now and throughout the day today I want you to come up with a little list of things you can celebrate about your husband as he is today. Don’t try to make it a long list, but make it meaningful – maybe 5-7 things that you can sincerely celebrate every day. Don’t just think it, write it down somewhere: on your phone, on a note in your purse, or on your computer. Keep it handy. Remind yourself often.

Your challenge today is to communicate one item from your celebration list to your husband without stating it explicitly. You are to communicate it with actions not words.

For example, if you really like your husband’s backside, give him a good squeeze the next few times he walks by and the next time you kiss. No need to expound or explain unless he asks.

If your celebration list includes his sense of humor, send him a link to a funny video, buy him a humorous card, or rent a DVD you know he thinks is funny and watch it together.

I only offer these as examples, but hopefully you get the idea. You will have to work from your own celebration list, and of course some of them will be easier to act out than others. You will have to be creative to find a way to express your admiration without words. Be bold and think outside the box. However you decide to do it, do it today!

"How can I pray for you today?"

Be sure to actually pray for him!

Day 2 for Husbands

Celebrate Your Wife

Every marriage has struggles and challenges. Yours is no exception.

You have the power make your marriage different from other marriages by where you choose to place your focus. Our human nature has us focus on the things that are wrong, the things we lack, or the things we wish were different. The truth is that whatever you choose to focus on grows. Today I’m challenging you to think differently from the norm - to change your focus.

Right now and throughout the day today I want you to come up with a little list of things you can celebrate about your wife as she is today. Don’t try to make it a long list, but make it meaningful – maybe 5-7 things that you can sincerely celebrate every day. Don’t just think it, write it down somewhere: on your phone, on a note in your wallet, or on your computer. Keep it handy. Remind yourself often.

Your challenge today is to communicate one item from your celebration list to your wife without stating it explicitly. You are to communicate it with actions not words.

For example, if you really like the way your wife kisses, give her an extraordinary kiss out of the blue. At a time you can catch her a little off guard, give her a stirring ten or fifteen second kiss. After it’s over, pull back, look her in the eyes, and say “Thanks” or “I needed that.” Then walk away without further comment.

If your celebration list includes her cooking, give her extra appreciation for tonight’s meal. And offer to do the dishes.

If you appreciate her love of music, make her a special playlist for her ipod of songs that remind you of her or that you know are her favorites. Buy her tickets to an upcoming concert.

"How can I pray for you today?"

Be sure to actually pray for her!

Let us hear how you are doing with the Intimacy Challenge! Don’t forget to drop by Journey to Surrender and leave a comment. You can also leave a note on our Facebook page. Or if you prefer, send me a note by email. Thanks!!

Labels: Intimacy, Intimacy Challenge, Men, Prayer, Women

4 comments:

CassandraSalamone said...: Thanks for this!!! This is right on time:-)); October 2, 2012 at 6:42 PM
Anonymous said...: What a great idea! I continually try to remind myself of my husband's good traits, especially when I'm feeling critical or negative. It's always a wonderful blessing to celebrate him. I really like the idea of trying to communicate this celebration without actually telling him. Clever and challenging!; October 2, 2012 at 9:15 PM
Kate Aldrich said...: As always, awesome ideas, Scott! Will do!; October 3, 2012 at 11:31 AM
Brad said...: Excellent! "Our human nature has us focus on the things that are wrong, the things we lack, or the things we wish were different."

That is so true! I know that and yet I still fall into the same pattern! It is so difficult to remain in thankfulness.

Yet, as you say what you choose to focus on grows. So today ill choose to be focused on being thankfully and recognizing where i am blessed.

Thank you Scott!; October 3, 2012 at 3:36 PM