Ok, I’m not going to try to pretend that I’m qualified to give lots of advice on marriage… but I think this one is worth sharing.

In the fast-paced world we all seem to live in these days, it’s so easy to get caught up in the scheduling, the to-do’s, the unexpected claims on our time, or even just the day-to-day routine.

It’s easy to have conversations without really listening.

It’s easy to focus on getting through this moment and preparing for the next.

It’s easy to not notice the small ways that your spouse takes care of you.

Maybe it’s pouring your coffee in the morning, bringing home your favorite flowers “just because it’s Tuesday” or making sure meals are prepped for the next day.

Maybe it’s folding laundry, watching your favorite tv show with you or making sure the gas tank is full in your car.

Yesterday, for me it was a simple reminder to eat something. (Most that know me would probably laugh at the thought of me needing that reminder, but I did actually need it.) I had about an hour after I got home from work before I had to head out for a photoshoot, and I was trying to get as much done as I could. Right before I left, Max simply told me to “Eat something before you leave.” Not a big gesture or a song-lyric-worthy proclamation of love.

But in that short sentence, I heard love.

I heard him thinking of me and my needs. I heard him doing his best to prevent me from feeling ill like I have the past few days. And it reminded me that we need to take the time to notice those small signs of love. We need to appreciate them and continue to strive to offer them up to each other every single day.