The Best Gift for a Husband

I have a husband that loves cars.  He doesn’t spend money on them, but he’s always looking at them on the road.  He listens to the quiet hum of their motors.  He admires the sleekness of the body and the speed as one passes our family car.  As much as I know my husband would love it if I bought him a Mustang, I gave him something this weekend I know he loved even more.  All it cost me was my pride.

We  had the privilege of going to a couples’ retreat last Friday through Sunday.  We heard good preaching about forgiveness.  When I first heard the topic of the messages, I had a thought of relief, you know, like – “Oh good.  This isn’t going to be an issue for us.  We’re up to date with all offences.”  Do you know that feeling of relief that I’m referring to?  It kind of takes you off the hook.  At least I thought I was.

We were given time to be alone with one another and the Lord after the preaching session, so that issues could be handled.  When my sweet mate lovingly told me that in a certain scenario, in my desire to help him, he feels I’m mothering him, my heart wanted to argue his honesty.  “I’m only looking out for you.  I want to help you.” was my reply.   It stung.  I didn’t like it, but it was the truth.  I was doing to him what a mother would do to her child.  That is not my role.  I am his wife – not his mother.

I have to admit that it took the next session at the conference for the Lord to speak to me and tell me what to do to get it right.  Immediately after the session, I asked if we could go outside and talk.  When we stopped, I looked at my husband and said,
 “I need to tell you that I won’t mother you in this any more. I’m truly sorry. If you need my help, will you just let me know?” 
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such tenderness in my husband’s eyes. My simple response to his honesty touched his heart so deeply.

 “Yes, I will” he replied. “Thank you.  You don’t know how much I love you.” 

Oh yes, I do, and I know I am blessed.

 I was reminded of two truths from this:

1. All a husband really wants is the respect of his wife. 
2. Her respect will do more for him than anything else in this world.

The good news is, I was going to buy him a Mustang, and now I know I don’t need to!  Just kidding!  I am  pretty sure, however, that he would tell me my respect is what he’d rather have any ol’ day! 

Have you given your husband the gift of your respect?  It’s all he really wants.

With love,