“Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
- Ephesians 4:32

If you are looking for the 40 day Love Dare to be an actual 40 days, then you are sadly mistaken and do not really know me that well. To me this is more of a journey of 40 steps, and occasionally it may take me a few days with our families hectic schedule to take a step. I recommend if you do take this journey with me that you do not get to caught in getting it all done in 40 days. It is to easy to beat yourself up if you miss a day. I did it on purpose.

Today is about kindness. While I will not be restating all that is in the book (I want you to buy a copy to help the authors and publishers make money), I have to quote the following: “Patience avoids a problem; kindness creates a blessing. ” (p6.) I love when someone can simplify things so clearly. Patience will often keep you out of hot water. Kindness is what hopefully will keep you from even getting any where near being in trouble.

One of the biggest lessons I learned in college was something I learned outside of class. My freshman year I complimented one of girls from my quad. To me it was nothing special. It was a simple true statement about her appearance and character. But to her it was a big deal. It changed our relationship. We instantly went from acquaintances to friends. It was this small instance that I saw the impact of a few kind words.

Kindness is proactive. I am reminded of the Random Acts of Kindness idea that was big awhile ago. Do something nice for your spouse. For my wife I have 2 special things she has asked me to do for her; fill her water bottle at night and fill the dish washer. It always means more when I do it without her reminding me. There are a couple things I have started doing for her as much as possible without her mentioning it. If I get to the bedroom before she is in bed, I rearrange her pillows for sleeping, turn down the covers, and turn on her electric blanket if needed.

Two books I want to recommend on this subject. The first might surprise you, but it really is a book about kindness. “How to Win Friends & Influence People” is an awesome book by Dale Carnegie. The second book is one on my MUST read list for all couples, “The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate” by Gary Chapman. When it comes to love, we all speak a different language and that is what this book is all about.

The Love Dare
Price: USD 9.99

219 used & new available from USD 2.88

How to Win Friends & Influence People
Price: USD 10.20

135 used & new available from USD 4.65

The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate
Price: —

871 used & new available from USD 0.23

Love is patient

“Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
- Ephesians 4:2

Well, here begins my journey through the Love Dare.  While patience is a virtue, it is one that I often find that I am lacking.  I have had several days to work on this day (Yes, do not expect this to take only 40 days.) and I found myself getting mad at my wife and messing up on day one.  The funny thing is that it was something small and I have already forgot why.  Often this is the case.  Most of the stuff we get upset about is the small stuff.  Repeat after me, “It is just not worth it.”  One of the skills I am sure we all need to work on is to only say the good stuff to our spouse.  Our job is to encourage and build up our spouse.  On that note, “Kelly, I love you and want you to know that marrying you is the second best decision I ever made.”

The Love Dare
Price: USD 9.99

219 used & new available from USD 2.88