Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
Proverbs 5:18

We often forget that romance is far more than an after-hours activity we share in the bedroom. Simple, everyday expressions of affection are just as much a part of marital romance as sexual intimacy is--and they give our children a very real sense that all is right in their world.

I love the way an 11-year-old boy captured this sentiment in an essay entitled "What I Like Best About My Home":

My mother keeps a cookie jar in the kitchen, and we can help ourselves to it if it's not too close to mealtime. Except my dad can have some any time. When he comes home from the office, he helps himself, no matter if it's just before we eat. Then he always slaps my mother on the behind and brags about how great she is and how good she can cook. Then she turns around and they hug. The way they do it, you'd think they just got married or something. It makes me feel good. This is what I like best about my home.

I think our children liked seeing us be affectionate. I'd come home after work and lock lips with Barbara in a kiss that was just a little bit more than a quick smacker, and our children would groan and comment, "Gross!" "Go get a hotel room!" But they always said it with a sheepish grin.

So how about it? Hold hands. Open the car door for her. Kiss her on the neck. Come up from behind him and put your arms around him. Snuggle on the couch while you watch a movie. Let your children catch you in kiss that is not a handshake!

And don't forget to say "I love you." Out loud. Right there in the kitchen.

This is the best kind of "homeland security."

Discuss
Tell each other three little incidental things the other does that always makes you feel good, makes you feel loved. What's your favorite kind of affection?

Pray
Give thanks to God for the opportunity you have to give your children a healthy picture of what real love and romance look like.