Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

It happens every Spring. Sitting outside for dinner on our back porch I hear the crickets chirping their greeting to us. It immediately reminds me of going to my grandmother’s home when I was a child.

They lived on 12 acres in Clermont, FL, with a grove of orange and grapefruit trees surrounding their home. The crickets loved living there, at least it seemed so based on how loud they sang.

Now whenever I hear them I’m reminded of those days and how much I loved my grandmother. This made me wonder what things remind my spouse of times we have shared together?

We just returned from our anniversary trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. We had lots of time to talk and enjoy being together. When we travel we will often ask each other what are the things we are doing today that we will remember fondly in the years to come? It helps us be mindful of our choices and make the most of the time.

In regard to practical everyday ways to bless my husband, I know Tom loves the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven. Actually he loves the smell of anything baking, cooking, sautéing or grilling. He is a real foodie and since I love to cook, it’s a win-win.

His Mom was full-blooded Sicilian and had the best Italian sauce recipe. For years I tried to get her to share it with me. She would always smile and say, “I don’t measure. I just make it.”

Fortunately, I don’t give up easily. I watched her one day and wrote down all the ingredients she used as well as guessed at the amounts. After lots of practice I finally got it. She passed away three years ago, and we still miss her.

I’m happy to report that her sauce is continuing to make my husband’s sense of smell smile, if that’s possible. I also secured his German grandmother’s Mustard Pickle and Chili Sauce recipes. It’s important to discover the things that will make your spouse’s day, and then do all you can to make them smile. For my husband it’s food. For your spouse it could be any number of things. If you don’t know, ask. Pay attention to their desires, often mentioned under their breath while thinking aloud. This is a small way to celebrate who your spouse is and what helps them enjoy life.

Here is a poem I wrote years ago titled, The Cricket’s Will. It came to me not surprisingly, in the Spring.

The sky is filled with singing

Every moment of the day.

Birds of every kind partake,

For God has planned it this way.

He calls the birds to praise Him.

They are compelled to obey.

They never hold back a note,

But faithfully give away.

Oh!  That we were like the birds

To sing whate’er the weather;

Responding to our Lord’s call,

Our praise daily unfettered.

As the sun begins to fade

A sadness draws nearer still;

Who will fill the air with praise?

Ah! The crickets will!