Being a blessing

[ardeur]

**I've already posted this over in one of the subforums in the women's section, but then I realized it might get more traffic here.**

My DH and I are going through a little rough patch right now. It's not horrible and we'll get through it, but it's got me praying a lot about stuff. This morning the Lord really started talking to me about making loving sacrifices for my husband. I mean... I've always known about this in the back of my head, but I don't make it a point to do this for my hubby often enough. I am really convicted.

I know that it's wonderful when I do something for my hubby with the express purpose of being a loving blessing to him - with no strings attached. But I am SO lazy! Or I feel like I am. I don't do this for my hubby nearly enough, but now I really want to. I want to be thinking about it all the time. I don't even know where to start.

I DO know that I sometimes get discouraged from doing something for my hubby because it will turn out to be something he's not totally excited about. Or I won't do it exactly right and he'll criticize. That really scares me off. I've caught myself thinking, "Oh, I won't do that for him because he may not like it or I'll do it wrong... and then I'll feel bad." I know that's being lazy.

I suppose I would just like some encouragement and advice for... figuring out how to bless his socks off. Haha... and ignoring that stupid excuse to not do something because he'll criticize or whatever.

 

[pegatha]

New habits take time to develop. Start out small, maybe one special little thing a day, and slowly build up from there. It doesn't have to be anything dramatic. It can be something as small as offering to get him a glass of iced tea while he's watching TV. You can also ask him, "Is there anything you need me to do for you today?"

I DO know that I sometimes get discouraged from doing something for my hubby because it will turn out to be something he's not totally excited about. Or I won't do it exactly right and he'll criticize. That really scares me off. I've caught myself thinking, "Oh, I won't do that for him because he may not like it or I'll do it wrong... and then I'll feel bad." I know that's being lazy.

No, I wouldn't call it lazy. Maybe you're a little insecure. If so, your insecurity will go away once you get used to doing things for him and seeing that he doesn't criticize you after all.

Or, maybe your DH really does have a critical, ungrateful spirit. Does he? If that's the case, then go ahead and do things for him anyway. If he grouches at you for folding his underwear the wrong way (for example), you can use that opportunity to lovingly point out how his comments make you feel discouraged about serving him. If you handle it calmly and graciously, the discussion can be an opportunity to make your marriage even better.

Remember, if God is calling you to do acts of service for your husband, then He will give you the courage to follow through.