I think all of us need encouragement now and then and desire to have someone believe in us. It’s nice when a person has faith in my abilities and encourages me even when I’m not so confident. This is what I believe it means to hold a crown over another’s head. You are placing it just a little higher than where they are, giving them room to grow into it.
It seems a little easier to be of praise and encouragement toward our friends. We may comment on their thoughtfulness and on their talents. We really ought to be doing this with our spouse too. Because we’re likely the most honest with our spouse about their faults, we should make great efforts to share with them their strengths that they may not see.
I had been sick and my husband was gracious enough to stay home to care for the kids. I told him how much I appreciated what a loving husband he was caring for our home when I couldn’t. By putting this “crown” over his head, it’s my hope he’ll feel proud of himself too and have more of an awareness of how much his efforts mean to me. It’s much easier to do something for someone when you know you’re appreciated.
Another example is my husband playing with our kids. He didn’t have a dad growing up and had questioned abilities prior to becoming one himself. Reminding him that he is so great playing with the kids and that they have such a great time with him helps him to feel validated and want to continue to be the best dad he can be. I’ve brought to mind his strengths giving him hope and faith knowing he’ll continue to be a great dad. Had I nagged him constantly pointing out what he’s doing wrong, he’d be likely to resist certain activities, lose heart and give up.
Crowning our spouse with encouragement, praise, and appreciation will likely be reciprocated as the other starts to appreciate you for having faith in them.
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