Did He Just Say That?

Today, I had a conversation with Husband (as I so affectionately call him!). During the course of the phone call, he gave me some advice. It was straightforward and to the point: "Stacie, don't let your struggles in one area negatively affect what you do in other areas." That was the gist, plain and simple. No accusations, no finger-pointing, spoken in an even tone. Great advice, right?



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But why did I feel like I'd been pinched? Why were my feelings hurt? Where was the lump in my throat coming from? Easy answer. . . we were talking about our children! Our children is what I "do" each and every day, they are the ones that fill my schedule each day. So I began to internalize this advice as critique. Quite frankly, I took it personally.

One struggle of mine has been our children growing and moving out of the infant/toddler stages. I know you may be thinking, That stage is full of exhaustion and sleepless nights and teething and diapers and lots of crying! Are you nuts?!?! 

I must admit, it can definitely be a trying time, but still, it is so sweet and precious. But truth be told, it is also very familiar. Having had my 3 children, one every 2 years, the infant/toddler phase is what I think I know, what I'm good at.

Dealing with the uncharted territory of school-aged, independent, self-sufficient children is a new, sometimes scary, adventure. However, I can't allow my insecurities about this new chapter in our lives effect my other duties as a Mom, particularly where my younger children are concerned. Mmmm, sound like familiar advice???

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So, there I am on the phone with Husband, thinking, he's being so critical! Doesn't he know how hard it is?? Then the Holy Spirit quiets me and reminds me, that my Husband is also my childrens' father. He knows them and loves them and knows what's good for them, too. Husband also loves me and it is his place to help me where I need it.

Plain, simple, and straightforward.

Thanks, Husband.

{This post is linked here at RaisingHomemakers.com}