Small Changes Big Impact

So the holidays have come and gone. We traveled for both Thanksgiving and Christmas which provided for both a hectic and fun time. It is always great to spend more time with family, friends, and most of all my hubby. I have been told I am not the best travel companion, I complain, I get cranky, I have insurmountable expectations, etc. Although this is just one more area that I am working on I must say that I usually enjoy the travel with Jon. It really allows us to have some good conversations and basically forces quality time. Of course, sometimes I just want to read a good book too!

During one of these good conversations I found out something that really made me pause. My husband commented that my early morning coffee time with him has made our marriage 10 times more enjoyable. (He actually said "ten fold" but I prefer the New Living Translation over the KJV ;-) Not only that but he also feels our relationship is stronger because of it.

I honestly couldn't believe it. How could something so minor have such a big impact? He went on to say that he values that time not only because it is a good start to the day but also because it is just one more thing that we can do together. As I thought about what he said, I realized that I feel the same way. I certainly feel like our relationship has gotten better but also easier. Conversations are simpler,"discussions" that happen when we disagree are more rational, and I think we value each other more. I have also found that I truly enjoy doing things for Jon. Making him a cup of coffee in the morning or a nice dinner at night is actually a pleasure for me instead of a chore. I know now how much he appreciates it, and that makes it all the better for me. He too realizes all the things that I do to make his life more enjoyable and therefore is more willing to help me with something or surprise me with a nice gesture. The domino effect of my sacrifice in the mornings is astounding to me.