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Marriage is beautiful, but it's also hard. Yesterday morning I nagged Chad for not doing enough to help get Nora ready while we both prepared to head to work. That same evening I pestered him again as I asked for help with cleaning the kitchen.
Then I watched Ian and Larissa Murphy's story. I immediately thanked God for my marriage, husband, and our good health. I have a lot to learn about love.
Nora trying out her cousin Jack's bunny ears
Spring break is glorious! Waking up with Nora, spending the day with her, and rocking her to sleep at night has been-even with all of the very trying times-a dream. It makes me crave our shared summer even more. Seven weeks, if ya'll needed a count!
On Wednesday, my big sister and her family came down to share the second half of the week with us. Her two littles are completely smitten with Nora, and it couldn't be more magical to watch their shared stares, giggles, and hugs. In spirit of the approaching holiday, I bought the older kids bunny ears from one of the Target $1 ( through $3) bins. It was all in good fun, and, gosh darn it, the kids look cute in them!
But then Chad and I got to wondering; when and how did Easter evolve from the celebration of our Lord's love and saving grace to bunnies and candy-filled eggs? Even a seven-year-old acquaintance of mine recently shared how creepy she thought it was to see children flock toward a man in a bunny suit in the middle of the mall. (I concurred.) Do those children flock to the Lord with the same enthusiasm they muster up for a furry stranger?
It's believed that 88% of parents prepare Easter baskets for their children. But do they also prepare their children's hearts for eternity?
The "Art of Love" worship album has been on repeat in my car recently. These particular lyrics from "How Deep" have captured my heart and caused me to be in awe of the magnitude and strength of His love.
The one thing I know is You carried my soul
When I was weak and there was no one else
You covered my shame with your loving embrace
And this is the overflow
This Easter, let's let the overflow of His love pour out onto the lives of those around us.
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord..." Ephesians 5:22
It wasn't too long ago that I would cringe at this verse. I worked too hard I thought to roll over and let someone else make decisions for me. I'm an educated, hard working woman with a good head on my shoulders. I can do things on my own I was (am) prideful.
Then one day, a few weeks ago, Chad and I wanted our family to do two different things. His decision was rooted in what was best for our family. My decision was rooted in fear. I didn't recognize either of these things until later. So, what did I do? I pouted. I protested. I lost. In the end, Chad was right.
Later that day, I recognized the magnitude of that moment. That moment was a chance for me to be submissive to my husband's decision. A chance for me to trust him as our family's leader. At the time I didn't know what was best, but Chad did.
I am learning that the word 'submit' in synonymous with 'trust'. Please don't misunderstand this post as a piece advocating for disempowering women. It's quite the opposite. Women have a voice in the world today like never before. With this voice, women teach, encourage, inspire, and empower others. For this I am so thankful! In fact, this blog is the very evidence of that voice-my voice. In our family, every major-and most minor-decision is made together. Chad regularly solicits my advice and listens to my heart. For this, too, I am thankful. In doing so, Chad is showing me love by valuing my input. But when I am wrong, an occurrence that is less rare than I originally believed, it is Chad's duty as a husband and father to make the right choice. The choice that is best for our family. It is my duty, then, to submit. By submitting, we-as wives-are building a stronger, more unified family. In this way, women have the power to contribute to their family's fortress. A fortress built on God's Word.
So, how have you learned to submit? Where are you on the learning curve? I want to know! Let's use our voices to empower others.
