The closet was a mess so I straightened it up. I had two goals in mind. One was to be able to step where I needed to step. The other was to surprise her without causing too much shock that I actually did some straightening. Later that day, my wife came up to me with a big kiss and said, "Thanks for cleaning up the closet! That speaks my love language." It worked! I knew she liked a neat house, but I now knew that a clean closet meant something special. She felt loved and appreciated by my simple act and I had found a way to communicate that I do appreciate and love her. And, it only took ten minutes.

When is the last time you thought of the ways in which you appreciate and value your wife? When is the last time you actually acknowledged these to her? If your wife is like mine, she does a ton around the house for me and the kids and more times than not gets very little notice for the things she does - until, of course, she does something we don't like. Well, guys, we have a chance to really surprise her. That's right, Wife Appreciation Day is on September 16. Okay, you are probably like me and didn't know there was such a thing, but there is. Let me challenge you to seize the moment and do something meaningful for our wives on a day that is not formalized (or commercialized) but provides us with a great opportunity to recognize how valuable and significant are our wives.

So, what should it be or what should you do? Don't ask me, ask your wife. Stop, look and listen to her. In what ways does she feel appreciated? Is it a kind word? Is it a clean house? Is it taking the kids to the park while she gets time to herself? Is it a card that expresses the ways in which you acknowledge all that she actually does around the house and what she brings to your life? Between now and wife's appreciation day become a student of how she might receive the appreciation you feel for her. I guarantee you there is something out there that would feel really special to her, what is it? If you can't quite come up with it, just try something - but probably not new tires for your pickup, or that bass boat you've always wanted.

Take some time today to think about what it is that you appreciate about your wife. Consider writing it down so you don't forget later (this might be part of a letter you decide to write to her). Keep that list with you and add to it. Now, think about the ways that your wife feels valued. If you can't think how, then start looking and listening. Take notes when you hear her say how good something feels or you see her eyes light up. Get the necessary materials you might need. Then bless your wife with the token of appreciation you come up with. I hope she feels really treasured.