Part Two in the blog series on “Taking Your Marriage From Fine to Fabulous”. Last week we looked at Date Nights. Today’s topic is those “little things” in a marriage.
I’ve always loved quilts. I’m amazed at how a quilter can take separate pieces of material and turn them into one beautiful creation.
The definition of a quilt is simple – a bed coverlet of two layers of cloth filled with padding held in place by ties or stitched designs.
I’ve found from experience that the more stitches or ties that are binding the pieces together – the longer the quilt lasts.
Several years ago I sewed a quilt for Matt’s bed. It looked nice at first – but since I made it very quickly, the few ties that I put in to hold it together soon broke in the strain of use.
I have another quilt that my Grandma made for me during my college years. She carefully tied it every few inches making a tight and warm covering that has stood the test of time and is still being used today.
One quilt lasted and one didn’t.
Marriage is like a quilt.
It begins as two separate lives that are bound together by a vow.
Then the process of “quilting” begins.
A good quilter knows that many small stitches hold better than a few big ones. The same is true of marriage. It’s the little things in daily life that will make a marriage strong.
Little things that say “I love you and you are important to me.”
Things like – getting up early to make your husband breakfast and packing his lunch before he leaves for work.
And getting the special “thank you – I appreciate this” look while he holds your hand and blesses that breakfast.
It’s when your husband puts a CD in and immediately goes to your favorite song, or when he gives you all the M & M’s from his trail mix, or takes the dish towel from you and sends you to the couch to rest.
It’s letting your husband eat the last piece of apple pie, or choose what to watch on TV, or sleep undisturbed in the recliner on a Sunday afternoon.
It’s a kiss when they leave and a kiss when they return.
It’s a phone call at lunch break, a back rub, a shared joke.
It’s taking time to really listen.
It’s putting their needs ahead of your own.
It’s those little things.
Stitch by stitch. Everyday. Binding your hearts together.
Blow me a kiss from across the room
Say I look nice when I’m not
Touch my hair as you pass my chair
Little things mean a lot
Give me your arm as we cross the street
Call me at six on the dot
A line a day when you’re far away
Little things mean a lot
Don’t have to buy me diamonds and pearls
Champagne, sables or such
I never cared much for diamonds and pearls
’cause honestly, honey, they just cost money
Give me your hand when I’ve lost the way
Give me a shoulder to cry on
Whether the day is bright or gray
Give me your heart to rely on
Send me the warmth of a secret smile
To show me you haven’t forgot
For always and ever, now and forever
Little things mean a lot
