Country music is one of my all-time favorite music genres. I grew up in cowboy country so it is only natural that I would love it. My favorite songs are the ones about faith, family and the simple life. By no means am I a concert groupie but on occasion there is a country singer I would love to go see. Alan Jackson is one of those legends.
Several years ago, I received a phone call from a friend of mine. She had two Alan Jackson tickets to give away and wanted to know if I wanted them. I immediately gave a resounding, YES! I knew my husband would be coming home that same day from a two-week work trip overseas and would not be interested in going, but I also knew he would tell me to go because he knew how much I enjoyed Alan Jackson.
Without any hesitation, I quickly called another friend of mine and offered her the other ticket. She was excited and agreed to go. Next, I called and got our babysitter lined up for that night. Everything was arranged beautifully and I was thrilled!
I decided to call and tell my folks about the concert, knowing they would be excited for me. As I finished telling them my news, I heard nothing but silence on the other end. It was the kind of silence where you instantly know you have messed up royally. With my parents, especially my dad, they have a very gentle yet firm way of correcting you. I heard my dad softly say. “You are willing let your husband come home after a two-week work trip and find his house empty, while you are off at an Alan Jackson concert?” If that wasn’t enough, he continued on. “Further, you are willing to go with your friend when he would much prefer to be the one going with you?” My heart sank. I hadn’t realized the unspoken message it would send to my husband when he came home and found me gone. He never would have uttered a word about it but deep down he would have thought, as any man would, I work and provide and she isn’t even here to greet me?
Needless to say, I cancelled my plans and when my husband walked in the door, he found our little girl and me waiting for him. We had front row seats, because the real star was walking on the stage. Eva and I had our BIG hugs waiting for him. With tears in my eyes I shared my heart with him. Can I tell you, he stood a little taller that day.
Ladies, our actions are powerful. Are we home or are we too busy making plans of our own? The home is your sanctuary it’s a place where your husband should find you present. Our absence should be a rare occasion. But our presence should be a sweet aroma and fragrance every time he walks through that door. Everything might not be perfect but the fact that we are home builds him up and shows him we honor and appreciate him.
I learned a powerful lesson that day. Alan Jackson can wait. My husband cannot.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her….she does him good and not evil all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:11,12
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