Drawn from my archives
The fresh scent of warm fudge washed over Main street while the clip-clop of a horse drawn carriage lent a steady rhythm to the hustle and bustle under the afternoon sun. It was just like any other Saturday afternoon in Greenville, South Carolina, except this particular day, I was there. It was my first time riding a trolly. The first time I tried gelato. And the first time I heard the words “truffle fries.”
I think it’s also safe to say that it’s the first time I enjoyed a little summer heat in late October.
As beautiful as it all was, and as much as I love cappuccino gelato, I was craving some family time. And my own pillow.
A vacation is nice, but nothing says home like the arms of my husband. Nothing. I love the way that Michael can fully envelope me with one hug. Oh… and I love his scent. It’s amazing. I’ll take that over warm fudge any day.
By Sunday afternoon I was home. Two fat pugs who wag as they wiggle met me at the door followed by the arms of my children. It was evident that Michael had taken care of things while I was gone. The kids were well fed, the dishes were washed, and time was well spent–together.
I wonder sometimes if he knows how much I appreciate him. Do I serve him gratitude as well as I should? Or could it be that I overlook the little day-to-day things that he does?
I got to thinking about that today.
The more we appreciate someone, the more we value them. And the more we value them, the more we appreciate them.
Stop and ask yourself right now if you’re appreciating your husband enough. And if you’re not–even if there’s a possibility that you’re not–start working from the inside out.
The best way to appreciate someone is to truly value their worth. When you do, the manifestation comes naturally.
Wrestle within yourself if you must, but determine to see his worth the way God sees him.
Looking to scripture, we see 8 reasons and more we should value each other:
- We were made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27)
- We were loved while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8)
- We are worth more than many sparrows (Matthew 10:31)
- The hair on our head is numbered (Luke 12:7)
- God gave His Son to die so that we might live (John 3:16)
- We are called to become children of God (John 1:12)
- We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
- We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8)
And the list goes on and on…
The Bible gives us countless reasons to value each other. The problem is that half the time we’re not counting. We’re too busy surfing, or chatting, or texting, or playing that we fail to appreciate the person that’s sitting beside us.
I’d like to challenge you today to prepare your heart for appreciation. Think of it as a garden that’s soon to be planted. Start tilling the soil, removing the weeds, and planting good seed. Meditate on the wonderful moments you’ve shared, think about those unique qualities that only he has, and start to notice the little things that he does.
You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife
1. Sorry to Interrupt Dear But Women Really Do Talk More Than Men, by Fiona MacRae Science Correspondent, Mail Online
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Click here for today’s marriage prayer:
My husband and I thank each other every day for even the littlest of things. We say thank you for doing the dishes, thanks for mowing the yard, for stocking the toilet paper in bathroom 🙂 Men love to hear thank you, they love to be appreciated and are more likely to be willing to help when they are appreciated. Does my husband do everything exactly the way I like it done, all the time? No. But he tries and for that I am grateful. I try to hold my tongue and not criticize because I don’t want to discourage him. I want to build him up, as a wife should. He does the same for me. You often get back what you give. It is a matter of mutual respect. 🙂
Awesome. Thanks for sharing Tammy!