I wandered through the airport like a hungry mouse in search of her cheese, following sign after sign, until finally I arrived at the baggage carousel. It had been four nights and five days--I was ready for "home."
Examining each black suitcase that passed my way, I asked myself the same question I often do, "Darlene, why haven't you tied a pink scarf to the handle?" Every time we travel I ask myself the same question, and every time I get home I forget about the pink scarf that hangs in the closet. It's adorable by the way.
Finally hoisting my bag over the edge I was done. It was time to go. Within the hour I'd embrace four inquisitive children I missed dearly, a pug that would surely lick my face, and a husband that can best be described as home to my heart.
I walked through the doors of the airport where center stage was the orange jeep with it's engine running, waiting for mama to come home. Standing beside the jeep was a servant's heart, clothed in blue jeans with arms outstretched. Beneath the cold October sky I embraced the warm feeling of home.
Stepping into my house I discovered that the past four days had rested in the hands of a capable husband and father. Recent words from author, Ann Voskamp echoed in my ears of how our Savior rose from the table, laid aside his garments to clothe himself as a servant, and washed 120 dirty toes.
The smell of bleach and smiles from faces that had been tenderly cared for told me that Michael was loving his wife as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. What more could I ask for, what more could I possibly want?
The real question however is what can I give in return? I can clean up the house today and toss a few loads of laundry in before he gets home, I might even cook his favorite dinner, but a long-lasting gift--and one that should never be taken lightly is the gift of prayer.
Here are 5 reasons why...
1. Most husbands I know have a deep desire to provide for their family. Along with that desire comes the pressure of job security. This is a heavy weight on the shoulders of our men.
2. Being the head of our household Michael takes on the responsibility of also being our spiritual leader. He needs to be equipped with faith.
3. Raising children in a world that threatens to lead them astray he needs wisdom to teach them well and strength to hold them close.
4. Loving his wife as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25) is not only an incredible responsibility, it's also one that requires him to lay down his life at the foot of the cross. Being called to that level of humility is difficult for men and women alike.
5. Living up to the expectation of being a husband can leave men discouraged when they don't measure up to other husbands around them. They need to be encouraged to accept the grace of God, and to forgive themselves when they do it all wrong.
Do you remember to keep him in prayer? May I suggest tying a pink scarf (or whatever color you have) to the oven door as a constant reminder to whisper a prayer here and there? When he asks you what that's all about you can say, "This one one is for you, dear, because we appreciate all that you do."
Have you grabbed my free printable yet? Check it out here (you'll love it!)
31 Prayers for Our Husbands
And finally... I'd love to introduce you to a fellow blogger that I met at the conference: Kathi Lipp. She spoke after one of the dinners, and I can't tell you how much this woman made me laugh--she was HA.LARRY.US!
But you know what else? She was real, which is what really drew me to her. The next day I was chatting with a few ladies when I happened to spot Kathi out of the corner of my eye. She was getting onto an elevator, so I seized the moment, ran to the elevator, and hopped on it too. I'm sure this lady must have thought I was a nut, because I started talking and didn't stop until she gave me two hugs--yeah, two!
I couldn't help but feel a connection with her, and I told her that I thought you might too. She's the author of several books including Praying God's Word for your Husband (the book is sitting beside my bed right now!) and she's got a great blog. You can find her here: KathiLipp.com
You are loved by an almighty God,
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