As I lay in bed snuggled up next to my husband, I could feel his breath against my neck, and his chest rising and falling against my body. My mind raced to my baby and how I love to feel his belly rise and fall against my own. I started to think about how much time I spend with him and how little time I spend with my husband. Then it dawned on me, "What do I need to do to keep Levi my priority, my number one, and not let my baby creep up into first place? After all, since I spend more time with him and get to do fun things with him throughout the day like going on a walking trail, going to the park, playing games, etc. what can I do to maintain my relationship with Levi and make it better than the one with my beautiful son?" Then almost all at once all 10 of these ideas popped into my mind and I felt the urge to write each one down. I share them here to be accountable to God and my husband, and to help anyone who may need it by sharing a few inspiring ideas that can turn our focus back to our husbands rather than putting all our efforts into our little buddies.
1.
Invest more of my time into him--be more diligent with making dates happen (get a babysitter planned sooner), give him all of my attention during meals, make a greater effort to do what he enjoys or wants to do, etc.
2.
Snuggle more often--we love to cuddle, but sometimes I am "too busy" taking care of the baby.
3.
Let him hug or kiss me more--there are so many times where he tries to come love on me while I am doing something "important" like making dinner or changing baby's diaper and I quickly give him what he wants and proceed to be busy. Really? I can't give him just
one minute of my love?
4.
Get off my technology and truly listen--I have found myself doing my own pet peeve, looking at my phone while someone is talking to me. This needs to change. He deserves more than that.
5.
Find more ways to say "I love you"--we say those words so often, but we all know the saying, "actions speak louder than words." He does such a good job at making me feel loved through what he does, now it's my turn to step up to the plate.
6.
Watch him play with our child--when I hand the baby over to him, I usually take that as an excuse to have a break and I go do something else, then I get frustrated when he wants me to constantly watch him make baby laugh. Again, I need to slow down and let his joy be my joy and enjoy these precious moments of my husband and son laughing together.
7.
Inquire about his life--maybe it's because I know that he's been at work - just like every other day- that I don't think to ask him how he is doing, but that doesn't keep him from asking me about my day and how it went. This simple act of sincerely asking, "how are you doing today?" can go a really long way and show him I truly care about him and what's going on in his life.
8.
Stop complaining--I absolutely dislike that he is gone from me so much of the day and that we were sealed together, bound by a promise made with God, only to have him leave me everyday so as to provide for our family and more fully protect us from the world. Rather than complain about that, I need to support him and be grateful for what he does for us. After all, it's a sacrifice for
him too.
9.
Let him take a break--by the time he gets home I am usually worn out from taking care of a child, and I just need a break. The tricky part is, if Levi comes home and takes care of baby the rest of the night, then he doesn't really get a break. I am committed to helping him feel relaxed after work, while staying sane myself, of course.
10.
Become a daughter of God--as I stay close to God His spirit will be able to be with me more and guide me to know what to do. As I learn of my potential and my divine nature I will become the daughter He needs, the wife Levi needs, and the mother my child needs. In that order. As God is my priority all other priorities fall into place.
There you have it, my newfound commitment to my Heavenly Father and family. If you made it this far I encourage you to take the time to make your own list. How can you more fully portray yourself as a child of God? What changes may be necessary in your life? Who can you serve? What needs some refocusing in your life? I know that I will be happier as I lose myself in serving others, and that God will sanctify my efforts.
