Having Tom around all day everyday is great. His “Honey Do” list is actually getting shorter, and that’s a good thing. But it’s easy to take our time together for granted. I’ve noticed since he’s always here I don’t anticipate him coming home and surprising him with a special treat. It had been a while since I had done something special for him, and I didn’t like it.

This past week we both made changes in the right direction.

Tom had to run a couple errands, so I had about an hour to plan something quick. I set up a table outside by our pool for dinner. All it took was to add a tablecloth and centerpiece, then set the silverware. Voila! I had a surprise waiting for Tom in no time.

I knew I had blessed him when he took a picture of our table for two. 

He managed to surprise me as well. We were grocery shopping together–something we enjoy doing on vacation and can now do each week. 🙂 I couldn’t help but notice the fresh flower display; the bi-colored roses were breath-taking. Later that day Tom walked in the door with a fresh bouquet for no other reason than to make me smile. And that he did. (You can see them on the table–aren’t they gorgeous?)

We are proof that quantity time together isn’t the same as quality time together. We had neglected a very simple principle for a strong marriage–doing little things everyday to express your love and appreciation. This is what makes ordinary days, extraordinary. It is also what makes an okay relationship, marvelous!

What could you do today to express your love and appreciation to your spouse? Don’t put it off–there are smiles and thank you’s waiting to be shared.