It's Only A House

It's Only A House

Written by Amanda Hawkins

     All of us wives have days that we feel unloved, unappreciated, as if our husbands don't care.
     You have two loads of laundry going in the washer and dryer, dishes that need put away, your husband's dirty work shoes and other belongings strewn across the floor of the main room, and a bed to make. You finish everything and your husband makes another mess by shaving his face and leaving the hair in the sink. What an insensitive man! He only thinks of himself!
     What you don't realize, is that your husband has also worked hard, and his home is his sanctuary to relax and spend time with his family. He doesn't think twice about throwing his work shoes full of dirt all over the cleaned floor, or plopping down on the newly made bed, because all he's thinking about is the fact that he is home with the family that he works so hard to provide for.
     Another thing you may not always remember in the heat of your frustration, is that your husband loves you more than anything. He would do anything for you, and he truly does think about you. He is not being insensitive on purpose. He just wants to come home and relax with his wife, who proceeds to nag him for messing up her precious clean house.
     It is your job as his wife to show him love by joyfully helping him, putting his things away. It is your job. Your all day, all week job. And sometimes it's tiring, but remember that your husband loves you, and that you love him. He works to provide for you, the least you can do is provide for him as well.
     When you first married your husband you had all the love in the world for him, would do anything to make him happy, and would even have lived in a van if only it meant that you were together. Now you can't even clean up the hairy sink without griping and complaining.
     Imagine if your husband were to pass away; you would miss the hair in the sink, and the dirty work boots, and the mile high pile of laundry. Your house would be empty, lonely, quiet, but hey, at least it would be clean! Learn to appreciate the mess, and your husband.
     Also remember that it's only a house. Anything that's dirty can be cleaned, and is it really that big of a deal? Don't let it bother you. Learn to go with the flow, enjoy your time with your husband after his work without being upset. You can clean it all up the next day. Smile and be joyful through it all, knowing that you are making your husband happy. Sing while you clean those dishes, write a welcome home letter for your husband with a cute love note on it, and greet him with a smile and a hug rather than a scowl.
     It brings honor to the Lord when you do things for your husband with a joyful heart. And it will make you and your husband happy as well.
     Practice joy for the mundane activities throughout your day, and practice love and respect for your husband.
     Peace be with you, in the name of Jesus Christ.