Monday's Marriage Moment -- Be Intentional

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
-Romans 8:28

I am preparing for a trip, and I am being super diligent about making sure that things are prepared for my family while I am gone. I am making sure clothes are laid out for Malia (left to her and her dad who knows what she will wear to school). I am making sure things are ready for John to prepare dinner. I am making sure he has a list of events and activities while I am gone. I am being intentional about making things simple and easy for John while I am gone. I couldn't help but realize, however, that I am not this intentional under normal circumstances. Why don't I have this same diligence for the times that we are together? Why am I not intentional about preparations for the week to make things are simple for him on a normal basis. Don't get me wrong, I never try to make things hard for my husband, but I know that I am not this focused and intentional on a regular basis. Intentional means done on purpose or deliberate. We sing about God being intentional -- we want to know that He is working all things out for our good. Yet, are we demonstrating that with our spouses? Are we making sure that we are deliberate with our actions and choices so that they work out for their good. Are we deliberate with our time? Do we maximize it so that time spent with them is of good quality? Are we intentional with our words? Do we ensure that they are loving and purposeful? Are we intentional in meeting their needs and desires? Yes, we certainly know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes, but since we are heirs of Christ and his ambassadors on earth shouldn't we demonstrate that same sense to our spouses? I am confident that you are doing well in this area, but can't we all come up a little higher? Challenge yourself this week to be intentional in demonstrating your love and appreciation for your spouse. I am sure the results will work for your good!