Promote Mutual Devotion

“A good marriage is that in which each appoints
the other guardian of his solitude.”
Rainer Maria Rilke
Are you mutually devoted to each other? Then you are honoring and complimenting each other. There is nothing quite as wonderful as being in a mutual admiration society with your spouse! Just knowing that you chose each other above all others will help you weather the storms of life.

Honoring each above the other is a volitional choice. In our marriage of over fifty years, many times when we were in the middle of a storm our mutual devotion was more an act of the will than a feeling of the heart. And even today we still work at fostering mutual devotion.

At times when we still desperately want “our own way” we need to follow Paul’s admonition to “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). How does that work out? We honor the other when we do for our mate what we would like our mate to do for us--whether it is doing the dishes, getting up with the baby, or just listening when we would rather go to sleep or read a book.

Mutual devotion says to the other person, I desire to put you first. I am totally committed to your well-being. Think about how good it feels when your spouse lets you know he or she wants to be with you. Maybe through a twinkle in the eye, a gentle caress or a loving compliment, your mate lets you know he or she is mutually devoted to you.

It feels so good to be affirmed, but don’t assume your mate knows you love him or her; declare it. Here are some ways to demonstrate your devotion and honor your partner:

· Present your mate with a long-stem rose.

· Frame a picture of the two of you.

· Write a love note on the steamed bathroom mirror.

· Take over your partner’s chores when he or she has had a hard day.

· Text “I’m totally devoted to you!”

· Let your spouse pick the movie you are going to watch

· Invite your mate out on a date that you totally plan. Keep the location a surprise.

Take a few minutes and evaluate how you’re doing at honoring your spouse. How have you demonstrated your devotion in the past week? Now make a list of ways you can honor your spouse this next week.

Form you own mutual admiration society today! It will help you stay “mutually devoted!”