Making Your Remarriage Work: Be an Encourager

My husband learned some difficult news this week regarding his employment. As plant manager of a cabinet manufacturing company, the downfall of the housing industry has taken a toll on the company he works for. The news we've been dreading to hear from corporate was delivered on Monday.

My husband is an upbeat, positive person. But he's had moments of discouragement as we now face an uncertain future. I've committed to making it a priority to encourage him regularly in the weeks and months ahead.

If your spouse is a stepparent, he/she needs encouragement often. In an unappreciated role, surrounded by stepchildren who may show disregard and distaste for them, it's difficult to continue on the stepparenting journey. But with thoughtful words of, "I appreciate you" or "thank you for your willing heart," the stepparenting road seems more manageable.

In Chicken Soup for the  Couple's Soul,  "50 Ways to Love Your Partner" (or encourage him/her), has some good ideas.  Here are a few suggestions I liked:

- Compliment freely and often
- Appreciate--and celebrate--your differences
- Live each day as if it's your last
- Seek out beautiful sunsets together
- Apologize sincerely
- Let her cry in your arms
- Tell him you understand
- Respect each other
- Be your partner's biggest fan
- Do the other person's chores for a day
- Calm each others' fears
- Put your partner first in your prayers

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." (I Thess. 5:11)

How can you encourage your spouse today?

Related Posts:


Making Your Remarriage Work: Steps for Success

Making Your Remarriage Work: Don't Settle for Mediocrity

Making Your Remarriage Work: Embrace Flexibility

Making Your Remarriage Work: Separate Marital and Parenting Issues