Real FamilyLife®

What’s More Romantic than Nasal Strips?
By Judy Burrows

I love chocolate in almost all its forms. Chocolate cake, chocolate candy bars, chocolate pie.

My husband, however, is a specialist. Chocolate peanut butter ice cream every night is his one daily indulgence. It's the sacredness of this ritual that can help you appreciate a curious turn of events between the two of us.

Recently, I told him his snoring was bothering me. So my kindhearted husband consulted the internet to find a cure. He learned about expensive apparatuses and breathing strips you apply to your nose. He found exercises that strengthen weak throat muscles. He even read that dairy before bed can increase snoring.

A few nights later he asked me if his snoring was better. “Yes,” I said, “I haven’t heard you the last few nights.”

“I gave up the ice cream.”

I was floored. I knew how much he enjoyed his nightly ritual. I would never have asked him to give it up.

I tried to tell him his sacrifice wasn’t necessary, but he insisted. He said, “I might have it once a week, but I don’t need it every night.”

Now that’s romantic.

The next time I went to the grocery store, I sought substitute snacks to thank him.

His generous spirit stirred up attempts at generosity in me. And the love he showed me was far sweeter than any chocolate.

Do you know that love is kind? Listen to Bob Lepine explain this important definition of love.

The Good Stuff: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." (Ephesians 5:25)

Action Points: Generosity in one spouse can sometimes encourage generosity in the other. In what way can you initiate generosity this week in your marriage?

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