Streaks in the carpet, streaks in the lawn...

Last Saturday was a beautiful sunny day here in northwest Washington. Early in October we almost always get blessed with a warm bright sunshiny day. However, there can be conflict for this sports guy on any Saturday, as college football is always available on television. 


Yet I laid down the remote and headed outside to make some streaks...streaks in the lawn, streaks on the windows and eventually back inside to make streaks in the carpet. Wow...a streaky kind of day all around for me! 


My motivation, my wife's love language. Monique loves acts of service and they are her primary love language. Gary Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages, is where I first learned about giving and receiving love in this way.

---

If you are not familiar with the book, I highly recommend it to you. Knowing that I was in the sweet spot of her love language, while she and daughter Carly were out shopping, I set out to make streaks all over the place. It was actually fun! Yes, there were times when I was tempted to plop myself on the couch and catch some football action, but I resisted knowing that I could sacrifice in love and bless her in a small way, as she blesses me all the time around the home, cooking amazing meals, doing the laundry, picking up after me, etc.,etc.,etc. 

---

When she got home from the shopping excursion, she received her gift and was blessed to see all those streaks. A warmth came over me as she appreciated each me and affirmed me, my love language, words of affirmation. This is the process of giving and receiving love that grows us closer in intimacy and it is all part of the Creator's plan for us in marriage. 


I must add, that it takes intentionality and effort in know your spouse, 1 Peter 3:7..."You husbands in the same way, live with your wive in an understanding way..." but the rewards are life giving for your marriage.