We are now almost two weeks into the new year and I know by now you have your list of dreams and goals all written out. Did you remember to include some for your marriage? We make it a goal each year to have a love fund which we use to celebrate our anniversary. But I'm not talking about those work-together kinds of goals. I'm talking about personal goals.
What will YOU do to strengthen your marriage this year?
- Will you pray for your husband every day?
- Will you be trustworthy and resolve to trust him?
- Will you speak his love language every day?
- Will you regularly show him honor?
Will you encourage your husband to be a leader in your home?
Some men are natural leaders. Others struggle with it a bit, but ALL of them need encouragement in their leadership positions. Here are 6 ways to encourage your husband's leadership:
1. Ask him about his goals
Ask him what his personal goals and goals for the family are for this year. If you don't have a habit of talking about goals together and/or if he's anything like my husband, he will need some time to think about this and get back with you. Don't hound him. Be patient. And when he speaks – listen!
2. Voice your support
Whatever his goals are, voice your support. Your verbal and body language need to be telling him that you are his biggest fan. That you believe in him and that you believe in his goals.
3. Assure him of your willingness to help
Ask him how you can help him meet those goals. Again, it may take some time for him to be able to answer this question. Let him know you are willing to help however much or little he wants you to. If you feel it necessary to offer suggestions, offer them in the form of a question: “Would it be helpful if I _______________?” or “Would you like me to ______________?” or “What would you think about _______________________?”
4. Purpose to show a unified front
Determine not to correct him or disagree with him in front of ANYONE this year. This is not to say that you will not disagree, but that in any public or family situation, you will have his back. If you question or find it necessary to disagree, saving the conversation for a private moment and bringing it up respectfully will prove that you respect his leadership. No one enjoys being corrected or made to look a fool in front of others.
5. Determine to only speak well of him or not at all
Determine not to talk negatively about him to ANYONE this year. Part of your job as his wife is to make him look good. Don't lie about him to make it happen, but make a conscious choice to only speak good of your husband, to the kids, to your parents, to whomever. If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it.
6. Praise him
Build him up with verbal praise every chance you get, to his face and to his back. Nothing makes a man feel more like a leader than hearing the praise of those who follow him, and even more especially when it comes from his wife. Don't be false, but do look for legitimate things to praise, and do it regularly.
What else would you add to this list? What are some other ways you have found to encourage your husband in his leadership role?
Lou Ann Keiser says
Excellent, Katie. I give you an A+ on this. :o) God bless!
Katie Hornor says
Thank you Lou Ann!
Michele @ Family, Faith and Fridays says
This is a beautiful post of how we can be a better wife. Think I will make a copy and tuck it away in my Bible as a daily reminder!
Crystal @ WisdomSeekingMommy.com says
I really enjoyed this post and have some things to work on! I asked my hubby the questions as I read and he actually gave me some good insightful answers 🙂 Now to implement them that is the tough part…
Adelien says
I am reading Women Living Well at the moment and I think that this article really match up with part two of the book. Have you read the book? You should like it a lot. Thank you for sharing.
Katie Hornor says
Adellen, I have not read the book. Thanks for mentioning it. Thanks for stopping by.
Rebecca says
YES! And by encouraging him, we are doing what God designed us to do. This is a great list, Katie! You are such a blessing!
Bri says
You can’t never say a bad word about your husband. If you never tell your mom or your friend how you’re feeling and what’s going on in your marriage when things are rough than that is not healthy and will make you crazy.