My husband and I were recently chatting with our neighbor about the challenges of taking a vacation with young children. We agreed that, with little ones, hotels are not optimal. Jason shared a story from our most-recent hotel stay where he sheepishly confessed that he had been “short tempered” with our children because of their struggle to adjust to the new environment. I eagerly chimed in, “Oh yeah. He did not handle it well at all.”
“To honor someone means to show respect — to give deserved recognition and appreciation to him or her. How thoughtful are you of your spouse? Do you actively seek ways to elevate your husband or wife before friends or family? Those are vitally important questions. ~Dr. James Dobson
In today’s society, we celebrate and applaud celebrities, athletes, powerful preachers, and high-achievers. Yet, when it comes to our spouse, are we as quick to offer praise?
It is much easier to focus on Jason’s faults rather than acclaim his strengths. As a wife, I get a front row seat to my husband’s humanity, and it can be hard not to focus on, or feel defeated by, his sin nature. My disappointments do not outweigh my joys, but yet the minority can quickly become the majority of my thoughts and my words.
I tend to vent about Jason rather than esteem him. Casual conversation proves to be a temptation to assassinate my spouse with words. It seems natural to “seek advice” by sharing where I view he is in the wrong. I can, without hesitation, be sarcastic, one-sided, and narrow-minded. And, in doing so, I dishonor my mate.
Flippantly discussing Jason’s composure at the hotel was not honoring to my husband.
I want to be a wife who uses my words to bless my husband! What I say about him is as equally important as what I say to him. When someone asks me how Jason is doing, I usually answer with the typical, “Fine,” response, but what if I used that routine question to prompt a time of praise?
“How is your husband?
“He is excellent. He is such an involved father who was up in the middle of the night changing a diaper.” “How is your husband?” “He is wonderful. I am so blessed to be married to such a loving husband.” “How is your husband?” “He is doing very well. I am proud of how hard he works for our family.”
I aspire for my words to gravitate to my husband’s achievements. I want him to receive public praise (from me) in the midst of the most mundane activities such as work, chores, and parenthood. To succeed at this desire, I must commit to honoring my husband both inside and outside of the home. I should never hesitate to share all of the reasons that my husband is amazing. I must create opportunities to shine a spotlight of admiration on my spouse — even when I don’t feel like it or think he deserves it (in other words, my emotions, or his actions, should never take my words into a negative direction).
Imagine the honor a wife would bestow upon her husband if the only words out of her mouth were accolades?
Now it is your turn!
I would love for you to leave a comment praising your husband! How would you like to publicly honor the man you married?
Want a devotional that will help you improve as a wife and pray fervently for your husband? For the Love of Our Husbands is a 52-week devotional penned by Darby Dugger. Each week you will find a vulnerable challenge on being a wife along with a Scripture-based prayer for you to pray over your husband. You can purchase For the Love of Our Husbands from Amazon.com or darbydugger.com.
Lisa says
My husband is wonderful. He helps me with my injections and pills and acts like all of the accommodations that we have to make because of my ms are nothing. Thanks for the chance to praise him publicly.
darbyd says
Love it, Lisa! Thanks for sharing. Will be praying for you as you battle MS and for your husband as he continues to support you!
amy says
My husband is amazing (& super hot!!)! He is a wonderful God-fearing man who works hard to provide for our family! I am so blessed to be called his wife!
Thank you for this reminder and opportunity to share with you and everyone else how wonderful my husband is!
darbyd says
So glad for your comment, Amy. I’m sure he appreciates all your words… especially the “super hot” part. 🙂
Lori says
My husband is my best friend. I’ve been going through a tough time lately and he is there for me – steady as a rock.
darbyd says
Sorry you are going through a rough time, Lori, but I am so thankful you have an amazing husband to help you get through. Will be praying for both of you! Thanks for joining in the discussion!
Sharon Mavis says
My husband has a kind heart and a sharp mind. He supports me. He is also growing emotionally which makes us closer than ever. I love him and am crazy about him!
darbyd says
What a great comment, Sharon! Thanks for sharing and your love is inspiring!
Darcy Stingerie says
My husband is the most thoughtful, patient, and loving husband and father. He had to miss my First Mother’s Day for a work trip and sent a beautiful video card he made to me and had flowers delivered. He challenges me to be a better person through his kindness and love. I am blessed to be his helpmate.
darbyd says
I love how you said that his kindness and love challenges you to be a better person! Such an example of an Ephesians 5 servant-leader! Thank you for sharing!!!
Lori says
My husband is such a hard working man. He works two jobs to add extra income for us. The other night when I went on a date with my mom, I came home to the kids bathed (our daughters nails painted!) and in bed and the laundry sorted and started! I think I’ll keep this guy of mine! 🙂
darbyd says
How awesome, Lori! Thanks for sharing positive words about your husband (and the commitment of marriage!). I also love, love, love that he painted your daughter’s fingernails!
Amy @ Life to the Full says
My husband is a wonderful hard-working pan. He provides for our family so that I am able to stay home with our son. He is supportive and encourages me every day! I am so blessed to have in my life.
Thank you for this wonderful idea! Some days I forget to encourage my husband and tell him how wonderful he is… great reminder. I found your blog on the Whimsical Wednesday link-up.
darbyd says
Hi Amy! So glad you found my blog and left a comment praising your husband. He sounds amazing! 🙂
Brie says
I am so blessed to be married to my wonderful Husband. He has such a sacrificial heart and works three jobs to support us, so i can stay home to raise our children. I praise God for him!
Darby Dugger says
That is awesome! I love hearing great things about husbands! Thanks for sharing.