I was in Atlanta when Hurricane Helene passed by. Little did I know when they were projecting mud slides in North Carolina, the devastation that was to come. My wife and I were just in Black Mountain, NC a few weeks ago, one of the towns that was almost completely wiped away. Anyone following social media or the news knows the tragedy that is still evolving throughout the region and the heroism of individuals to help their fellow neighbors. It is times like these that we see the best in people. 

As a family, discuss how you can help those that are in dire need. Coming together to pray for the survivors and those still helping is a great place to begin. Participate in local fund raising or start one of your own, work with churches in your area providing assistance, and dig deep into your own savings to help. Assisting through local ministries will make sure your donations get to where you want them to go. 

Finding ways to help others brings your...

Open, honest, continual communication is key to a good marriage. In most marriages, one partner tends to share less than the other.  Many times, it is the husband, so taking five is a great way to break a poor communication cycle. 

To take five, each partner gets five uninterrupted minutes to share about their day and anything on their mind.  Set a timer and try it for 21 days. 

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Find a waterfall and take the family to enjoy an afternoon in nature exploring the wonders of God's creation.

Find an unusual gift for your wife, something that would mean a great deal yet doesn't cost much. I was on a business trip and found this bookmark. When I gave it, Lydia was deeply touched because she had never owned a bookmark but loved to read. 

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Spend an evening putting together a puzzle.  See who can find the edges first, and then begin finishing a section at a time.  See how fast you can complete it.     I suggest 500 pieces if you haven't done one in a while so it isn't too difficult. It is perfectly fine if it takes more than one night to complete.

Working together is a bonding experience.

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Get busy doing the "to do's" your wife has asked you "to do". If you aren't necessarily a "handyman" call in some help. Get the whole family involved to enjoy some quality time together!

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Make not only today special, but work hard to make the whole week a celebration of your wife. Give your wife time alone to pamper herself with a pedicure, massage or spa. Serve her breakfast in bed. Be creative and make her feel extra special.

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Surprise your wife with a love note on her mirror. Let her awake to a message straight from your heart to hers.

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As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, it is a great time to reflect on what needs to be resurrected in our own marriage or family. Is there something that has died that needs to be revived? Perhaps regular dates, family fun nights, a vacation...

Bring something back to life this week.

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Most wives are take charge, do whatever it takes kind of women. Unfortunately, that incredible character trait can lead to us as husbands letting them take over way too much responsibility. Despite their innate abilities, our wives need us to step up as husband and father in our family. They are looking to us to for direction and leadership. 

When our children need discipline, step in before your wife has to. When it is date night, plan the entire evening.  If there is a difficult conversation that needs to take place, start it and stay engaged. When you want to disengage, tell yourself, "Take the lead."

Your wife and children are looking to you for direction, if you aren't doing your part, start now. 

Photo by Duane Storey on Unsplash