Guest contributor, Lisa Jacobson, Club 31 Women
I could hear his footsteps.
Unmistakable. Firm, solid feet. Man-steps. Quite different than the quick pattering of all the other little feet I'd heard throughout the day.
Madly chopping and slicing, I never even looked up when he entered. I felt frantic and stressed, knowing everyone was so hungry and I so far behind in my dinner preparations. My intentions had been good...it's just that I hadn't anticipated that broken glass earlier in the afternoon. Nor the quarrel between the two children that soon followed. All of this took time. Then that last urgent phone call put me hopelessly behind schedule.
And that's how he found me.
Madly chopping and slicing.
He came in behind me, slipping his strong arms around my waist and leaned into me. I should have felt electricity, but mostly I felt annoyance. Irritation. He was slowing me down.
I could immediately sense his disappointment. Could feel his arms drop. Without missing so much as a chop, I tried to explain as I kept prepping away. Explain about the day and all its stresses and frustrations. How behind I was in...well, in just about everything. I thought it might help him understand.
He understood alright. He understood that those carrots took precedence over him. That I was so busy and my tasks so important, that I didn't have a minute to acknowledge him. I couldn't be bothered to turn around.
But I wanted him to know that it was simply a matter of timing. I just wasn't ready for love at that moment.
Wasn't ready for love?
Did that really come from my mouth? From my heart?
The man needed his dinner. No doubt. What he needed even more? A warm, welcoming wife. I was so worried about filling his stomach that it seemed I forgot about filling his heart.
But what if....what if I'd done it different. What if I had dropped those carrots, swept the celery aside, turned around, clasped my hands around his neck, and...well...
Leaned back into him.
Stopped my whole world and interrupted my hectic schedule and important plans. To love on him.
What then?
Then he and I could have started a small kitchen fire.
So what does a husband really need? More than dinner. He needs your eyes to light up when he enters the room. He needs to know that how thrilled you are that he's home. How your heart leaps because you two are together again.
He needs a warm, welcoming wife.
So very warm - that the two of you alone could start a small kitchen fire.
I don't know when the last time you had a bit of a blaze going? But I highly recommend it. No matter what's gone on in your world, or happened in his day. Take a few minutes to turn around and lean in to him.
Welcome him home. Warmly.
In His grace,
Lisa is the happily-ever-after wife of Matt Jacobson, literary agent and writer, and together they enjoy raising 8 children. Please join her over at Club31Women, a blog for any wife, mother, or sister who is looking for Biblical encouragement and inspiration.
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I've had a few of those moments myself! Thank you for sharing this Lisa...its always an inspiration to read your blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder because on many occasions i fall culprit of the same, and i get annoyed when he interrupts me in the kitchen, and for sure he needs more than dinner.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely fabulous post! I'm convicted on this one. Been there done that, and I love the perspective and affirmation you provide when you advise:'lean into him.' In fact, I'm doing so tonight! God bless, and thanks for the insights and heart!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I was out of my home in 2010 for four months because we had a kitchen fire. But this kind of kitchen fire... I'd gladly light up ;)
ReplyDeleteOh boy, this is ME. I'm so task-oriented and annoyed to be interrupted. I shall heed your advice, dear friend!!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny because I was just telling someone today I'm such a morning sex person because it't before my task list consumes my mind. But I just have to turn it off because that time of connection and intimacy cannot be replaced by anything else and I just love being in his arms. I just have to get better about turning off that to do list running in my head! Sigh...
ReplyDeleteAnd Darlene, I LOVE this graphic! Saw it on Pinterest and just adore it.
Thanks, Fawn! I tried to comment on it, but I couldn't. It wasn't working.
DeleteI, too, was greatly convicted by this post! I get in such a whirlwind around the house trying to be a good wife to my husband- when often times I don't want to be "annoyed" while I'm working! Ahhhh! We are somewhat newly weds- married for one year and a half. Thank you so much for this wonderful and inspiring blog. God has convicted me to not just do my chores because I "have" to, but because i love the Lord and my husband so much! God bless you and your readers.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this reminder! Even only 2 months into marriage I needed this reminder! easy to use dinner as an excuse eh? or any other "wifely service" :)
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed your post, thank you! I can relate to what you're saying from both sides of the fence. Your writing style is poetic and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an important post. I rarely comment on blogs, but your words really struck a cord in me. So many times we forget about what's truly important because we're so focused on what we feel is most important, for that moment. We forget about the big picture, and really, taking a few minutes out to welcome your husband doesn't take much, but the reverberations are felt far longer... Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insight.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your comments in this post. I just was starting my new habit for the month of February, "Improving my Interactions with My Husband", when I found your post last week. This was one area of I was thinking of . . . when he wants a moment of hugs and love, and all I want to do is whatever task is being interrupted. I had to smile at how God has been using things to help me see this area of my life is really what he wants me focusing on this month. Thank you for being a blessing and encouragement!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post. As a Mom with two boys (9 and 6), and work full-time outside the home, I often get home in the evenings and just want to relax. My husband wants love and affection but I am slow to respond to his touch. Thank you for inspiring me to give him a little more of me.
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