A few weeks ago, one of my friends got together a group of men to celebrate his son’s 15-year-old birthday in a unique way. He requested that all of us come prepared to speak into this young man’s life. I was encouraged by the words of each of these godly men, but what Jason Short shared was particularly helpful. A father of five, Jason gave advice about marriage and family—things to think about and prepare for now.
This is great advice for all the 15-year-olds out there, a helpful template for all the parents out there, and a much needed reminder to all the husbands out there!
How to honor your future wife:
Honor your future wife now by honoring all women and treating them with respect and dignity and by being a gentleman.
Respect your mother, and speak highly of her to your friends and girlfriends.
Don’t date just for fun.
Honor girls now by refusing to join in disrespectful banter that will occur with your friends.
Assume that your girlfriend may be someone else’s future wife.
Remember that your girlfriend is someone’s daughter and sister.
Look for a wife, not a girlfriend.
Treat girls the way you want guys to treat your sisters.
How to be a happy husband (Start practicing most of these now!):
Work hard, but put your presence with your wife and family ahead of your career goals.
Pursue God together.
Be her friend.
Do the dishes.
Learn how to have conflict.
Love in the midst of conflict.
Develop the skill to resolve conflict with compassion.
Apologize (and don’t expect an apology).
Laugh at your own jokes.
Seek out wisdom from older husbands.
Lay down your life for your family.
Take road trips.
Demand respect for your wife, not from your wife.
Laugh at her jokes.
Be empathetic.
Throw parties and enjoy your friends together.
Seek her input and insight.
Watch your favorite comedies together over and over and over until the lines become part of everyday conversations.
Listen to her.
Learn how to cook.
Never ever sleep on the couch. If necessary, sleep on the floor outside the bedroom door.
Learn how to be wrong with patience and how to be right with humility.
Eat together every day.
Have an open door.
Get away together whenever you can.
Find friends whose company you both enjoy.
Serve other people together.
Bring home flowers.
Eat everything she cooks.
Say, “I love you” before you fall asleep.
Leave room in your budget for generosity.
Under-promise and over-deliver.
Display affection and say, “I love you” in front of your kids.
Be on her side.
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