But the lips of the wise will preserve them. ~Proverbs14:3 NKJV
I am constantly struggling to hold my tongue. I have to really concentrate on not flying off the handle and making every decision, just because I CAN. I was not raised in the same way I am trying to raise my daughters. I was raised to be very outspoken, very independent,and quite frankly, very disrespectful to my husband.
Unfortunately, it seems like that is the society we live in, today. Men are told from the time that they are young that they are inferior to women. They are portrayed by the media to be ogar-like oafs with no common sense, and over-revved sex drives. This, of course, is not even close to the masterpieces the Lord created when He made men. He made them to be strong, gentle, intelligent caregivers and leaders of the home, not the idiots they are now taught they are. It's such a shame.
I would never want my husband to feel like this! But unfortunately, I don't always let him lead our home. Sometimes, I fall into that same rut that so many women end up in. I rush ahead to get what I want, and step right on his toes in the process. Thank God his toes are strong. :)
Case in point?
Our washing machine broke the other day, and being the frugal minded, patient man he is, my husband has been diligently working to find the best deal for us. I, however, have been
completely overwhelmed by the anxiety of not having a washing machine (for all of 6 days), and have visions of front loaders dancing in my head. (Isn't it pretty? -->) I'm ready to run out and buy a new one... today. Of course, this is not the right thing to do. He is trying to make sure that he makes a sound purchase for our family, and it would be both cruel and selfish of me to do this without his input. So, in an effort to be more like a wise woman*, I am trying to hold my tongue, and support him in his endeavour to get a good deal for us. (The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands. ~Proverbs14:1 NKJV)As the days go by, I am becoming more and more impatient, and I am feeling very convicted to use this as an opportunity to honor my husband and his place in our family. All this keeping my mouth shut has me wondering ~ where is your heart in regard to biblical submission? ~Yep, I said it... submission. Does your husband lead your home, in the way God intended? Or, are there times when your tongue is hinged in the middle, like mine tends to be?
I'm really trying to keep this situation in biblical perspective, so today I will not call my husband after work to ask him if he wants us to meet him at an appliance store. I'll pretty up, cook something wonderful for him, and meet him at the door with a smile... a smile that is there out of love, and only partly there to hide the big ol' zipper across my mouth.
