All of this writing and talking and thinking about love and marriage has birthed a question in my mind: Do I love my husband?
Certainly I love him; I married him, I enjoy him, I love who he is and just being with him. But if love is an action word, how am I doing at loving him in the nitty-gritty aspects of our life?
In the quiet of my mind I looked up hesitantly at this giant of a question. Embarrassed, unsure if I really wanted to examine... and the answer stared back down at me. I am still so selfish, so very unloving.
Timeliness matters to my husband, starting family devotions right at eight. I know this... but I still selfishly try to cram as much as I can get done into the last few minutes and always cause us to start late. I'm not loving him.
My husband is encouraged to faithfulness in early morning devotions when I get up at the same time as him. Yet each day this week I've snuggled deeper under the covers, letting him face the cold early hour alone, fighting sleepiness more bravely than I. I've lingered where he wants to linger and rushed out of bed at the last possible minute, adding stress to both of our mornings. I haven't loved him.
When the little thought nagged me from the back of my head that I should take care of something he normally does just to lighten his load, I suppressed it and went back to what I wanted to do. I've listened and let the baby fuss, waiting for him to put down his work so that I didn't have to put down mine. I've failed to prioritize the things he's asked me to prioritize. This is not love.
I've nagged and complained and dumped, adding burdens to the back already weighed down with family cares.
This week I am forcing myself to stop pushing the little voice down, and to actually listen and act on its instructions. To be ready and waiting a few minutes before eight each night. To rise with him when the alarm goes off (for Pete's sake, I can get back in bed for a nap later, unlike him!). To willingly and joyfully put his needs and desires first.
It is hard, because I am selfish and love self more than I love him.
So I must ask you dear reader,
Do you love your husband?
Linked Up With: Proverbs 31 Thursday and Hearts 4 Home.
Such a good reminder! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat words!
ReplyDeleteI love my husband dearly. & I am happy to say he knows it, I show it and our kids see it every day too. :)
http://myhappilyeverafteragain.blogspot.com/2012/02/taking-scenic-view-thoughts-on-creating.html?utm_source=BP_recent
Of course I love my husband, just as you said...I married him. But I don't think I actively love my husband, which is a sad thought. I, too, need to work at putting his needs before my own wants and showing him that I actively love him.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful (eye-opening) post!
Blessings to you,
Megan
http://heretofindhim.blogspot.com
My wife told me the other day that she loved herself more than she loved me. Can someone please tell me what this implies? It totally took me by surprise, because I love my wife more than I love myself. In fact, I had never thought about that before until my wife said what she said. Am I missing something here?
ReplyDeleteI do love my husband but i think he loves me more.
ReplyDeleteToday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and
ReplyDeletetested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.
I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!
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