Saturday, May 23, 2009

Seeing through someone else's eyes


My husband and I just celebrated our 22st wedding anniversary. We dated for almost 7 years before we got married... so we have been together for a LONG time. Like most married couples... we have had some really good times... and some really bad times. But to the Glory of God... we are still loving each other.


One thing that I really hate is.... I think I have stopped "seeing" him. What I mean by that is that I just go through my days... not noticing what he does. Let me give you an example.... I have noticed several times over the last couple months that I catch people talking about the "good things" he does.... that I didn't even notice. Several times I have caught some of my Tuesdays bragging on him. (my Sweet Tuesdays are my Bible study ladies) Like... he vacuums for me most Tuesdays before they get there... He will often cook enough food to share with them while they are there... He will run through the living room to catch the dogs so that they don't get in the way of our class.... (like he is not a distraction as he runs through.... but it is the thought that counts, right?). One of them has even pointed out that he needs to give lessons to other husbands...... I have realized that I don't really give him enough credit for all he does to help me. I don't always notice when he loads the dishwasher.... or empties it. I don't always notice that the clothes that I left in the dryer are folded and in the baskets... I don't notice how he seems to not mind at all that I don't cook him supper. And I don't seem to notice all the times that he makes tea. (which we discussed MANY years ago... and it is clearly my job.. AND I don't mind) The other day, one of my friends pointed out how sweet he was to cook us dinner and then clean up the kitchen while she and I went for a walk... the list seems to go on and on. Hearing someone else brag on your husband for something that you didn't even notice is quite sobbering. I don't like that... I don't mind at all when they brag on him... I just hate that somehow I have stopped seeing it. I am trying to watch for those things now... and give him the kuddos when he deserves it. And... I am sure that I still miss many opportunities to thank him.


I know the same is true for the "world" that I see. I don't always see it through God's eyes. I am looking through my eyes. The frustration. The inconvenience. The people. The needs. I filter them through my eyes... and my perspective. Not God's... which is what I need to be doing. How else can I try to make a difference in the world if I am not seeing things like God does??? I have really been thinking about this a lot lately. I need to put on my "God" glasses so that I can see more clearly.

I want to thank my husband for all the sweet things he does for me and our family. I want to let him know how much I love him and appreciate what he does. I want to stop looking through my eyes... and look through God's eyes. Then.... I think things will become much clearer.

Thanks Brad for all the things that you do for me and our family. You are a good man!! I am sorry that I don't tell you that as often as I should. I'm am blessed to have you!! And... thank you for putting up with me for the last 29 years. I love you!

AND... not only have we celebrated our wedding anniversary... this is my 100th post. So... in honor of this post... I will have a giveaway on May 28th. Just post a comment about something or someone you are thankful for. I can't wait to hear from you.


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9 comments:

Jennifer said...

Congratulations on your 100th post!

Although, I'm always thanking God for my husband, I, too, go often without telling him aside, that I appreciate all he does.

I appreciate your gently reminder and will make a point of getting better at this.

Blessings to you,

natalie said...

Lynn,
Happy Anniversary!!!

Thank you for the reminder, I don't tell my husband often enough how much I appreciate him.

Grace 2 U,
natalie

Libby said...

I got the same reminder a couple of weeks ago. I said to my husband one night "wow, you sure have been being really nice lately"...his response was "well, you haven't been such a meanie lately" (except he used a much stronger word than meanie). OUCH!!! He reminded me that sometimes we don't need to change other people, we need to change ourselves first. And then maybe others will respond to us differently.

Congrats on both anniversaries! I am proud to say I know you sister!!

Tracy said...

Great post! I thank you for this tender reminder. I don't think I thank my husband enough, either. Congratulations on your wedding anniversary and your 100th post!

You asked us to share something or someone we are thankful for. I would have to say my hubby of nearly 25 years. There is never any doubt where his devotion lies. First to God and then to me. He is my very best friend. He encourages me every day, constantly looks out for me, taking care of me in even the smallest of ways. Several times every day he reminds me he loves me. I'm so incredibly blessed.

Once again, congrats. Thanks again for his wonderful challenge.

Blessings,
Tracy

Regina said...

I got a good man too!

We will celebrate 19yrs this summer. It has been a journey learning to look past our faults and see each other with the eyes of God. We're not perfect at it and often I think he is way better at it than I am.

Thanks for your post Lynn. You are an awesome encourager.

JeanMac said...

Congratulations on your anniversary - he sounds like a dream man and a keeper!

Tammy said...

As I was reading your post, I was reminded to see what others see...a hard worker!

Hope you had a great time on your anniversary.

100th post, boy does time fly.

love and hugs~Tammy

Yolanda said...

Congrats and happy anniversary.


I'm so thankful that my husband continues to go out of his way for me. Like yesterday, I was painting a piece of lattice work and he pulled up a chair while I did so. He loves to be in my presence and sometimes I take that for granted as I enjoy alone time. Honestly, I'm so thankful and I needed a reminder.

Paula V said...

This is very sweet, Lynn. Yes, it is very humbling and heavy on the heart to realize others see in our people what we fail to see. I did it many of times with my beloved.

I'm thankful to God for the day He will rejoin us and He will allow me to see and express my gratitude for my beloved....I can only pray and hope for that day.

Congrats on your anniversary and 100th post.

I can't believe you dated for seven years! That is a long time.