Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Create a Haven for Your Husband


But for every other mom who thinks that she's perfect, setting the bar the rest of us can't even come close to, there's a certain someone who's anything but impressed... her husband. Because while she's spending sleepless nights frosting cupcakes and sewing costumes, he's feeling neglected and going to bed alone. Which brings me to my question...Do good moms make bad wives?

This was the question asked by Jackie Morgan MacDougall.  It is a very good question to ask.  Many wives put their children way above their husband's needs.  It is so very easy to do.  I did it. There is something about the helplessness and love of our children that makes us value them over our husbands. Also, being extremely busy is almost considered a fruit of the Spirit, it seems these days. It's a quality to brag about.

The ironic thing is if you are a great mom, you aren't necessarily a great wife but if you are a great wife who "reverences" her husband, you are probably an amazing mom! {God's ways are always completely opposite of the world's ways.} The greatest gift you can give your children is a solid, happy marriage.  Children love seeing their parents madly in love with each other.  It makes their little world secure. In fact, I have seen more children raised to be great adults who had parents who greatly loved each other than children who were raised by a mother who gave all of her time and energy to her children while neglecting her husband.

If you have children, carefully monitor your time as I have said many times. You don't have to go to Bible studies and volunteer for all the school programs. Your ministry is FIRST to your husband and then to your children and home.

You can't do everything! Focus on fixing healthy meals, shopping, keeping a tidy home, raising your children in the nurture and the admonition of the Lord, and pleasing your husband. Too many women are becoming ill by trying to do too much. Your husband and children are a precious gift! Focus is what you need, NOT distractions!

Learn the value of being at home and attaining a meek and quiet spirit. Make a decision to enjoy cooking, cleaning, gardening and the simple things in life. Read to your children and play with them for they grow up so quickly. Create a haven for your husband and children. Spend time beautifying this place you call home and stay home to enjoy it.

Most importantly, show your children that you love their daddy deeply. Serve him. Reverence him. Allow him to be the head and the leader of the home. Model to them what a Christ-centered marriage looks like. Let peace permeate your home and be joyful. You have a huge influence on your husband's ability to relax and enjoy his time at home. 

Taking God at His Word and pursuing a home-centered path results in greater peace and contentment than you may have ever known, both for you and our family. It is the abundant life that God ordained for women!

...and the wife see that she 
reverence {a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe} 
her husband.
Ephesians 5:33