Unusually Blessed
I’m one blessed woman. Though what I’m about to show you is evidence of a celebration, it could be an average day here. You see, my husband is one of those rare men who cooks, cleans, gives me time to nap, get away or do what I like to do. He also works a full-time job, several part-time and freelance positions and volunteers frequently at church and school.
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I know – and you thought they didn’t exist.
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Oh and he’s smart, funny, handsome, well-liked and respected too. Yep. I somehow managed to marry the Holy Grail of husbands. I got to see him in top form this weekend … my birthday was yesterday and today is Mother’s Day.
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I get extra attention for two days and I love it. Yesterday, I even managed a short nap before my husband took me out for dinner & a movie.
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It’s the only two days a year where I don’t feel enormously guilty asking for something – usually not a gift, but for time. Sometimes I ask for time away – maybe to get a massage, go out with girlfriends; other times I ask for time for my kind of activities – writing, reading, sewing, crafting. And, other times, I want us all to be together – cuddling up and watching a movie on the sofa, or playing a family game.
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I don’t always get those things and often my day is still spent referring the fights, squabbles and bickering that comes with having a 10-year old, 7-year old and 5-year old.
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Speaking of . . . yesterday, as my kids jumped into bed with their homemade cards, cinnamon rolls and grapes, I asked them for peace. I asked them to be extra considerate of each other and nice so I wouldn’t have to raise my voice.
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It lasted for a few glorious minutes.
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Oh well – such is life with three spirited children.
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Still, I feel blessed to have a husband who tries so hard to make me happy – to see me smile and laugh. He goes out of his way on a daily basis to make me feel special and valued. That’s a gift that truly keeps on giving. We get busy in our activities and sometimes feel disconnected as we run in opposite directions for work, ministry and kids’ stuff – but when it counts, he’s there, going above and beyond for me, our kids, our family, neighbors and friends. The way he interacts with others and the way in which he loves our kids, shows his love for me.
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Sometimes I wish he’d just stop and sit down – my love language is quality time. He’s an acts of service guy, so sometimes he spends his time cooking and cleaning – and I know it’s more for him than me, but I can’t complain. I know how fortunate I am to have a husband who not only pitches in to help, but often takes on more than his share of the load.
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Mother’s Day is a reminder of what a fantastic partner I have. My mothering wouldn’t be half of what it is without him. He gives me the time to recharge when I need it and that gives me the energy I need and helps me be more patient (though I have a long way to go). He shoulders a lot of responsibility with our kids, which allows me to be gone and have complete confidence that the kids will be well taken care of. When a woman feels valued and content, that happiness trickles down to her children. His effort makes me a better Mom.
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He is amazing and I am unusually blessed.
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