Click here for the husband’s version of the prayer
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?
Click here to read the rest of the article
You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife
I confess I have not appreciated my husband as I should. In the back of my mind, I do; but I often fail to show it, or I often allow it to be smothered under my own neediness. We are in a new season of life, and I am not adjusting well. My father was in the Army for 20 years, and my husband for 23 years. Now he is retired from the Army, and is going to school full-time—fulfilling a life-long dream of his. He is home alllll the time, but fully immersed in the challenge of his studies. I know that he is doing this to prepare himself to provide for us–in part of my mind. But the other part is so very very very tired of being alone–“keeping the home fires burning”, and now, while he is focused on school. I thank you for your encouraging words and your prayers, as I struggle to support him, rather than leaning on him for the companionship that he cannot offer right now.
I was not expecting life in the civilian world to be so lonely–military communities are much more open to newcomers. Noone seems to want to make eye-contact, or carry on a conversation; just the occasional nod and wave as you drive by. It is all very strange to me–I don’t understand. So I’m trying to remember “God sees, God knows,” and this desert season is no surprise to Him. Still, it’s hard not to lean on my “captive audience” husband, expecting him to fill a need that maybe is not his job to fill.
Thank you, again, for your encouraging words!
Thanks for sharing your story Catherine!
Good morning, Darlene. This was a timely message for me. I have been working on trying to appreciate Jim more and making sure he hears and feels my appreciation, but not too long ago he said, “You are always on your phone. Calling, texting, surfing.”
I have a direct sales business, so he’s right – my phone is a lifeline to my business.
Today and tomorrow Jim and I are working on setting up a budget. We are reviewing all our finances and planning to see what we can do to become more intentional about being generous toward God and others. I’m up early while he still sleeps making phone calls and entering a show because I promised him I would do “nothing else” for two days while we work on our finances. I can’t believe how many things came up after I made that promise, including issues with my 96-yr-old mother. Jim is right – I’m way too busy, and he feels like time with him is way down the list.
In a few minutes I will fix a nice breakfast, turn off my phone, and spend the day with Jim working together. I’m really looking forward to it, and thank you for the “heads up” this morning. I pray that God will help me see Jim through His eyes, keep the enemy from letting “little foxes run through the vineyard”, and enable us to appreciate each other as we do our day.
Bless you, Darlene, and all the other ladies who are sharing and reading this morning and trusting the Lord to secure and build their marriages.
Elaine
Oh Darlene, what VALUABLE words and such truth in your wisdom! I do appreciate my husband! My favorite part from today’s was: “The more we appreciate someone, the more we value them. And the more we value them, the more we appreciate them.” Precious and beautifully written! Although I would have titled this “appreciate your spouse” (I get why you did it this way) yet I believe that appreciation goes both ways and also kindles love and respect mutually if appreciation is shown or spoken. I know I appreciate but also that I am appreciated makes me want to do more in love. Thanks for this reminder!~Peggy
Thank you Darlene, this was BEAUTIFUL and so necessary for me to take into my heart, mind and actions. I will joyfully begin “preparing my heart for appreciation” and eagerly look towards “planting the garden”.
In my heart I appreciate everything he does, but I believe that I don’t always show it. I sometimes focus on the little things that annoy me instead of letting him know how awesome he is to me and the kids. I think I will start sending him a daily email expresses my appreciation. I will not expect a reply or anything in return. I just want him to know how much I love and appreciate everything he does for us.
Some one, anyone, i need prayer and My Beloved. He said last time, the pron was finished. I walked by last night and yet again! I am so upset and distraught. I love him so mluch, but I am not strong enough to do this again! I am crushed.
Hi Ilove how you challenge women to value, respect and support our husbands in the important role they have in our marriages and families in a culture that wants to constantly bash them and make them the enemy. What an encouragement to women and to the family as a whole your website is. Bless you and all who support and encourage you.
Trish.
Thank you so much Trish!