Day by day, month by month, the love I had for my husband was growing stronger. It was a daily challenge to prove to him just how much he meant to me, and that I was never going to return to my old ways. The moment he asked me to go to the football game with him, was the day I knew without a doubt I had learned to make my husband a priority.
Richie said to me, “Honey the Tennessee practice game is coming up and I really want you to go with me this year.” Immediately it brought back memories of last year when he asked me to go. I had told him yes and he was so excited he went out and bought me a Vols shirt to wear. On the day we were supposed to leave, I started an argument over something petty and decided not to go. He was so upset he accused me of starting the fight just to get out of going. I didn’t want a repeat of that this year so with eagerness in my voice I responded, “Yes, I will go with you!” After making that committment I quickly remembered Madeline had a pageant scheduled for that same day. I hated to tell him in fear I would hurt his feelings, but the pageant was already paid for. He was understanding when I told him, but seemed a little disappointed. I went in the bedroom and started thinking to myself about all the times I had chosen pageants over my husband, kid events over date nights, and other hobbies over spending time with him. I wanted to please my husband by showing him I no longer put him at the bottom of my priority list, so I decided to tell the pageant director to take Madeline off the roster. I apologized to her and she was nice enough to transfer our money for another upcoming pageant she was hosting. I knew there would always be another pageant to attend but the Tennesee practice game only occurred once a year. I was so proud of myself for choosing Richie. When I told him what I had done his eyes lit up and he kept saying, “You didn’t have to do that for me.” I replied, “I know I didn’t, but I wanted to.”
The Friday night before the game was scheduled we had a family game night at our house. I cooked dinner, our friends came over, and we all sat around the table playing different games. There was so much fun and laughter in the room that we all had a great time. For once in my life I felt like everything was biblically balanced. I put God first by starting my days off with prayer and reading the Bible, I scheduled date nights so my husband and I could be alone, I planned fun things we could do with the kids and started a Bible study with them, and I continued being involved in different ministries in the church. I realized that for years my life had been a mess because I didn’t know how to balance all the roles I was given. I thought by being a good mom and serving at the church I was being being a good wife, but that was not the case. My husband often felt lonely, left out, and unimportant.
The next morning we woke up excited about our plans to head to Knoxville. Our day started off with us flirting, hugging, and making love before leaving the house. When we finally arrived at the game we spent our day holding hands, kissing, and taking pictures. I could feel how happy Richie was by having me by his side during something he enjoyed so much. Love is not just a word you toss around, if you love someone you have to show them by your actions…let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18) I was proving my love for my husband by putting his interests above my own.
There’s not one specific verse in the Bible that clearly tells us exactly how to prioritize every aspect of our lives, but if we study different scriptures we can learn God’s blue print for a balanced life. First, we know that we are to always make God number one. In Matthew 22:37 Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” Secondly, we know that God gave Eve to Adam before their children were born on Earth. The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18) After Adam and Eve knew one another, she gave birth to a son. God never intended for us to put our kids above our spouses. Lastly, we know that prior to devoting ourselves to ministry, we must have our household in order. 1 Timothy 3:5 says, (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
When life gets out of order your relationship with God will suffer, marriage problems will arise, your children may feel unloved, and your ministry will be put on the back burner. If you’re struggling with balancing the many different roles you have in life, then I encourage you to ask God to help you prioritize according to His plan.
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