Recently, my fiancé, Jacob and I attended a festival. The festival wasn’t my cup of tea but Jacob loved it. Just as I participate in activities that he’s interested in, Jacob has patiently run the sound and media for many of my drama productions and has watched romantic comedies with me when he would rather be watching an action film. I have listened to talk radio when I would rather be listening to a country station. Why do we do these things for each other? Because it matters to the other person.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
Sure, we can find things to do that we both like but what about trying something that the other enjoys that we wouldn’t normally find interesting?
When I spend time participating in my beloved’s interests, I get a chance to see a different side of him. His eyes light up, he talks a little faster, and he smiles and laughs more. This conversation can lead to him opening up and I get to see a part of him, as trivial as it may be, that I may not have seen had I not been willing to listen. We marry the whole person, not just the part that we share commonalities with.
So if you haven’t already, for the next couple date nights, try doing activities that the other person enjoys but that you wouldn’t typically choose. And don’t let it end there—Make it a lifelong habit to spend time participating in the other person’s favorite pastimes and allow him to share in your interests also. You may not have any more of an interest in it than you did before, but you might be surprised at what you learn about the one you love and that is well worth the sacrifice of time.
FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR:
Heather M. Bissett is a foster care and adoption caseworker from a small town in Ohio. She earned her bachelors in Family and Consumer Sciences at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She enjoys spending time with her wonderful husband, Jacob, family and friends. She also treasures her time working in the media department and leading drama ministries at her church. Heather is passionate about helping others, working with children, teens and adults, and sipping Coke Zero as often as possible. Visit Heather on Facebook or Twitter.
