Imagine with me: you are about to attend a function where you are supposed to bring a dish to share. After perfecting your master creation, do you offer your husband the first piece or bring him home the leftovers?
Whether it was a Bible study, staff meeting, or a block party… I used to be faithful in offering my husband the first helping of anything I had made. I never experienced shame when I showed up to the pot luck with a missing enchilada or brownie. In fact, it was something I was proud to do and my husband certainly appreciated the effort, thought, and sacrifice (for a people-pleaser like me, it was a sacrifice!).
Somewhere along the way, I stopped making that gesture. I can’t recall when the switch took place, but I am certain there hasn’t been a single instance in the last two years where I offered my husband the first serving of my contribution to a pitch-in. Lately, it seems, that he has been getting the leftovers… literally.
This makes me wonder if the shift from giving him the first bite to offering him the remaining crumbs reflects a pattern in my life?!?!
Is my husband getting my first fruits or my leftovers?
- Do I dress up more for the women at Bible study than I do for my husband?
- Am I more grace-filled with my children or my spouse?
- Who sees my smile the most: the stranger on the street or the man I share a bed with?
- The majority of my thoughts, my prayers, my time, and my energy are directed at whom?
- At the end of the day, do I have time to blog but don’t have time to initiate great sex?
Being a wife is not merely a title, but a ministry! I must make sure that my husband is getting the best of me: The best of my attitude, the best of my prayer life, the best of my appearance, the best of my intentions, the best of my love, the best of my food, the best of my… everything.
He must always get the first fruits… not the leftovers.
How do you give your husband your best rather than your leftovers?!
I am linking this post up to the Better Mom, Wise Woman, Wifey Wednesday, Thriving Thursday, Little Life Lessons, and Desire to Inspire
Kasey Werner says
I loved how you compared this to the food we make. What a perfect illustration! I never really thought about giving my husband the firstfruits in every area of my life. I had thought about it in the way I dress and in the attention and energy I show him at the end of the day, but not in so many others. Thanks for this reminder!
darbyd says
I always joke that food is my love language!!! I can relate a lot of things back to food. ha. Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by! 🙂
Crystal @ Serving Joyfully says
I’m so glad I have discovered your blog, Darby! Too often, my husband gets the leftovers, although it’s something that I am continually working on as God points things out to me. Thanks for the thought-provoking post.
darbyd says
Thank you, Crystal! Likewise, I am happy we have connected! Glad you could relate. 🙂
Sarah says
I hope you don’t mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you. This looks like a refreshing place to dip into some serious goodness.
Also wanted to extend an invite … to share this post (or another fave) to encourage even more moms. We could use it.
Join the Melody …
http://justsarahdawn.blogspot.com/2013/06/time-out-time-in.html
darbyd says
Welcome, Sarah! Thanks for perusing my blog — feel free to splash around. 🙂 Thanks for the link! Venturing over there now…