Does your marriage need a little spice? Believe it or not, Mary Kay cosmetics has a great solution. It is called, simply enough, “The Treatment.” My wife, Mell, who used to be an Independent Beauty Consultant for the company, gave me a personal demonstration. And all I can say about ‘The Treatment’ is, “Wow!”
“Honey,” she said one morning. “I want to test one of our products. May I try it on you?”
“Does this mean that I have to wear make-up?” I said, using my manliest voice.
She laughed, “this isn’t about make-up, silly. This is called ‘The Treatment’ and you’ll love it. The directions say, ‘If by any chance you are not moved, then I’m to check and see if you are still breathing. If you are breathing, then there is no telling what may happen next.’” After that she smiled and whispered, “I’ll see you tonight, baby!”
You can figure out the rest of the story, but lately I’ve become a big fan of Mary Kay products.
Why is a preacher telling you a story like this?
Because a good marriage like any relationship requires a continuing willingness to give someone else special attention. Doug Fields in his book, Creative Romance talks about the importance of continuing your dating relationship long after the marriage vows are given. Doug writes:
“Adding creativity to your dating and romantic experiences will add sparkle to your time together. It will also communicate a message to your spouse that he or she is worth the time and energy required to bring about a great memory. You and your mate will never forget a creative date.”
The emphasis is on breaking your routine and trying something different. Some of his more than 200 ideas of creative dating include:
- List your spouse’s best qualities in alphabetical order.
- Make your own movie scene – stop and kiss on a bridge as the sun is setting.
- Fulfill one of your spouse’s fantasies.
- Cut out romantic photos from magazines and write messages on them.
- Develop a code word for sex that you can use in a crowd.
- Sing a song to your spouse.
- Have a candlelight picnic in the backyard.
- Put fresh flowers in front of the bathroom sink and write “I Love You!” in lipstick.
- Plant a tree together in honor of your marriage.
- Mail a love letter to your spouse at work.
- Drop everything and do something for the one you love – right now!
The Bible upholds the sanctity and wonder of marriage by simply saying, “…they will leave Father and Mother and be united to become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
The word love appears more than 800 times throughout the Bible. The command of God to, “love one another”, begins at home with your spouse. Creative dating is a wonderful way to say, “I love you!”
Here’s my challenge to each of you. “If you are married… drop everything and do something for your spouse… soon! If you are single… drop everything and do something for your closest friend… soon!”
As for me… I’m going to ask Mell for another dose of “The Treatment!”
Questions to Challenge:
- Does your friendship or marriage need a little spice?
- What can you do right now to break your routine and become more creative?
- What are you waiting for…permission?
