I know sometimes it's easy to get excited and say you'll join in and then end up not following through, but you're not very far behind and you can easily jump in now and start encouraging your husband, lifting him up to the Lord, and working on your relationship.
Day Four:
" . . . let him labor, working with his hands what is good . . . " Eph. 4:28
We are all accountable for the things we say, both negative and positive words. Have you embraced the challenge to speak only positive things to your husband and to others about him? Here's a suggestion that touches the core of your husband's world.
Some women take their husband's career for granted, and they show it in many ways. Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday, or do you strengthen and encourage him with your words? A wise wife will make her husband feel that she values and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others.
If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part of a successful career—such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc.
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Being a military wife, I never take for granted what my husband does every day.
I always tell him how proud I am of him, how much I love him for going in on these crazy shifts, for putting up with certain things and for having to deal with the stresses of military life.
If I could tell you even a tenth of the things that go on, you would be amazed. The military life is not for everyone, and I have told my husband many times that I would have been kicked out by now because I don't like unfairness or being yelled at in front of people etc.
Every day, I thank him for still doing this after 21 years.
Now I know it's not easy at times, especially when you've have a trying day and are just dying for him to walk in the door. It's very easy to just vent and dump your frustrations on him. To want to tell him "here, YOU deal with the kids and the craziness because I've been doing it all day".
I've done this many times in the first few years of our marriage, when our children were little. Thankfully he's always been more than understanding and let me vent away, stepping in and taking the kids from me when I felt I was going crazy.
It can't be easy for our husbands having to deal with work stresses and then coming home to the place they want to relax in, and having to deal with an unhappy, nagging wife, or a chaotic home.
I try to make things relaxing for him, dinner time is our time to unwind. We all talk about our day, any thing stressful or that we had to deal with, and then just as the dirty dishes get picked up from the table and washed clean for the next day, so do our worries :)
Are you ready to tell your husband how you appreciate how hard he works?
I actually didn't see yesterday's post until this morning, but coincidentally I *did* thank him for doing a bunch of things for me (including just "being awesome" which made him laugh) :-) Count me in for today, too!
ReplyDeleteI didn't see yesterdays post till today either. We are a few hours behind you so if you post later I don't always see it. Good post thought - as so is todays!
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty much my bedtime here so I tend to read in the evening and do the tasks the following day.
ReplyDeleteI really like todays focus. My husbands work is by no means his dream job but it is secure and what supports our family and lifestyle. I know this is his only reason for sticking with this career and I have been worried recently that I don't show my appreciation enough, especially since we had our little girl.
Oh I can't tell you much this has really struck a chord this evening. I can't wait for him to come home from work now.
Naomi xx
I remember when my husband was out of work...twice! It's so hard on the family.
ReplyDeleteIt was so difficult to stay positive especially when he was so hard on himself.
But we survived both times of unemployment.
Since my husband is the only one work due to my disability I pray everyday for the blessing...his job.
My husband's job is stressful so I have to remind myself to not text him during the days that the kids are driving me crazy. There's nothing he can do about it except worry and stress. I just have to pray to God to get me through it.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra, I do not have a blog but I follow yours all the time. I have been doing the 30 day challenge as well and it has worked miracles. I teach special education full time and my husband works at night time. Sometimes we don't see each other until the weekend. This has made us appreciate each other more than ever and encourage each other. Our jobs are very stressful and I know he's doing the best he can for the both of us and putting up with certain things that are difficult so he can advance as soon as possible. His courage and commitment along with the help of God is what really keeps me going when I am stressed and feeling down. Thank you so much for this wonderful idea. Hope all is well!
ReplyDelete