Tender Thoughts of Thanks

Life seems to be pretty fast-paced this fall, and I'm still learning to wisely balance and prioritize my various commitments and responsibilities. To be honest with you, I'm not sure I'm doing all that hot. It's so tough at times.

In praying over my often out-of-whack priorities this week, God has made me newly thankful for my husband. As I've mentioned before, I'm so thankful for a husband who knows me...who continues to study me and be tuned in to who I am. I'm thankful that his frequent question before leaving for work in the morning is, "What can I do for you? How can I help you? What do you need?" He consistently seeks to love me as Christ loves the Church; to fill me up and meet my needs.

I'm thankful that he takes an active role in our boys' schooling, aleving much pressure off of my shoulders. One of my (many) weaknesses in homeschooling is following up with the boys' math assignments and tests. They complete the work...they take the tests...but I often struggle with checking their work. Therefore, I've not always been aware of struggles they're having till they've kind of spun out of control. This year my husband has removed that pressure from my shoulders, and he daily checks in with the boys and makes sure they're up to speed. I'm so thankful for this!

I'm thankful that he senses my need to occasionally re-group, and he graciously supports opportunities for me to get alone or go out with friends. I'm also thankful that he loves being with me! I'm thankful that home is his favorite place to be. I'm thankful that he plans date nights and makes me feel as though I'm the only woman in the room.

I'm thankful that my husband gives me a fresh perspective; that when I'm struggling with doubts, discouragement, or uncertainties, he holds me and reminds me of the truth of God's Word. I'm thankful that he prays for me (and tells me so). I'm thankful for his faith and conviction and leadership. I'm thankful that he wisely and rabidly protects me. I'm thankful that he reveals his heart to me and allows me to know him. I'm thankful that he's my ally, my confidant, my best friend.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him---a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12