Thursday, July 30, 2015

For the Men


Cherishing a wife, and letting her know she is cherished, requires constant expressions of love and devotion.
Bob Lepine


He was young, this man-child with his mother-cut wavy hair and beautiful hands.

The one whose eyes collided with mine in choir before I was dating age.

The one God blessed with music in his soul, and a love of people in his heart.

The same one who articulates clearly, loves the detail, and uses more words each day than the average woman.

The young one who waited for me to grow up, writing daily letters for three years.

The one who promised to cherish me when he was too young to know what he was promising.

It is this word “cherish” that has been playing in my mind.

This word that means to hold someone dear, to protect and care for someone lovingly.

This man knows well what it means – and lives it daily:

The goblet of tea delivered in the morning.

The breakfast cooked every morning so I can begin my writing.

The ice packs, heating pads, and prayers for pain relief.

The indulgence of my book habit and all things leather.

The written letters instead of store-bought cards that just don’t say the right thing.




You see cherishing comes in all sizes and packages.

It could be buying your wife a Corvette just because her younger self loved them.

Or it could be taking your wife of sixty years to her favorite mall even though she could only walk to a couple stores.

It could be buying your wife a grandchild-adorned phone case without her saying she wanted one – just because you know it would be treasured.

It’s taking time to hold hands, leaving a note by the coffee maker, and cleaning house while your wife is working.

Cherishing is what makes a ho-hum marriage into one shining with joy – even if outward circumstances weigh you down.

It’s the going beyond when it’s the last thing you want to do; searching for the perfect gift, being romantic, getting up when you want to rest, searching for legal treats for your diabetic wife and picking up dinner when she had a harried day.

It’s a vow made in front of God. It’s thalpo – a continual cherishing. It’s watching and listening; the chiseling off of selfishness. It’s the gift of quiet time, a Starbucks evening for Bible Study, a bouquet of flowers cut from the garden, or a ladies retreat. 




The “I love yous” are important. Providing for her needs is necessary. Mowing the lawn and washing the car needful. But cherishing -- that’s the stuff that covers your wife like a warm blanket and makes her heart smile.

Embrace the word, decide what it looks like in your marriage, and ask God to give you a desire to cherish the woman He gave you. I think you’ll be surprised with joy!


What does cherish look like to you?
Linked to:
Spiritual Sundays






10 comments:

Terra said...

You are describing a wonderful guy and I like that he makes your heart sing.

Godly Homemaker (Andrea) said...

what a beautiful description of what a Godly, romantic husband should be! :D

Jelli said...

What a blessing that your man treats you so well. Thankfully, mine does too. I thank God every day that he didn't let me stick with those bad-for-me types that my college-aged self always seemed to be attracted to.

Marissa Writes said...

So beautiful, love that this is what is on your heart... that you know that level of love and are grateful for it. The funny thing is, yes cherishing is doing the extra that we never thought we'd want to spend our time, but once we reach that level in our marriage, those extra "chore" like actions that show that we cherish the other, don't seem like such a chore any more

Marissa


I'd love for you to share this with the Cozy Reading Spot, if you are so inclined. It's just so beautiful... It's open all week... Cozy Reading Spot on Reading List

Jenna810 said...

Your husband sounds like an amazing man. You are very lucky. I am trying to be more in tune with my husband's ways of cherishing me which is not generally the way I seek deep connection. We are certainly learning how to treat each other the way we feel loved.

Denise said...

God bless your dear husband.

Roxanne Foster said...

This is a beautiful post. Thank you for honoring your husband.

Unknown said...

God bless your husband. He sounds like a great guy. You are very blessed. I particularly like the quote at the beginning: "Cherishing a wife, and letting her know she is cherished, requires constant expressions of love and devotion."

Chari said...

'cherishing -- that’s the stuff that covers your wife like a warm blanket and makes her heart smile. ' I LOVE this and it is SO true!!

Unknown said...

I'm thankful to have a husband that does just this!