Lots of couples choose to use wedding vows that include the phrase: “To Honor you”
I looked up Honor in the Merriam Websters Dictionary and came away with several great definitions. Check these:
a good name or public esteem
recognition
a showing of merited respect
one whose worth brings respect or fame
Perhaps we could all work on honoring our spouses, so today I wanted to offer 3 ways to bring honor into your home:
Full body listening
Listening is done with more than the ears. We have learned that if Lisa comes in the room and I am still on the computer, I’m not engaged. I need to honor her by completely turning away from the keyboard and paying attention to what she is saying.
Good listening also involves leaning in toward your spouse, can involve well placed acknowledgments (ex. “yes”, “uh-huh”, “sure” ), and even touch.
If you want to full body listen to your kids, drop down to their level. I have learned that I am heard much more with my 6-year-old, and he feels like I am listening much more, when my eyes are even with his.
Stand up for your spouse
Make it a rule: No one talks disrespectfully of your spouse. Take it a step further – don’t allow people to dog their own spouse in your presence. There is no need to air dirty laundry to acquaintances outside our marriages. If there is a problem, talk to your spouse first. Then, if it can’t be resolved, bring in a 3rd party. But don’t just gossip and complain about them. That fixes nothing.
Honor your spouse by building them up to your friends. To their friends. To your family. To their family.
Don’t let your spouse be bad mouthed by your kids, co-workers, boss or others. They are a prize, and you should step up in appropriate ways.
Encourage their dreams
What is it they want to do with their life? Don’t know? (Keep being a student and ask more questions) Push them to take that class or get that degree. Yes, it might take work. Yes it might take adjustments. But who knows what it may lead to in the future! Being more fulfilled in their life? Possibly.
More fulfilled them=more fulfilled marriage.
**BONUS** Make time for them a priority
Show honor by giving your spouse the time of day. Preferably not the part when you are completely tired. A good part of your day. Perhaps lunch. Without mobile devices. Without kids. Without distractions.
How do you Honor Your Spouse? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Stu & Lisa have been married 8 years (together 11) and have a heart to encourage couples in their marriages. They live in Middle Tennessee, have an awesome 6 year old, and a mutt named 'Boo'.
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