Sharing some thoughts about a lovely morning that my husband and I experienced three years ago because I didn’t get anything new written this week.
“Sunday Morning Submission” Lisa Frisch June 22, 2014
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21
Here’s what mutual submission looked like in our home and marriage this morning. My husband and I were sitting at the breakfast table when five “beeps” from the microwave indicated that my tea was ready. He quickly got up, retrieved my cup for me, and resumed eating his cereal. Then, while he was in the shower, I noticed that the Sunday newspaper was in the driveway. Knowing what an important part of his morning the paper is, I went out and got it, took off the bag and rubber band, and laid it on the kitchen table before heading upstairs to get ready for church. While I was showering, he made our bed, a chore that is mine on weekdays. As I entered the bedroom, I remembered that he leaves on a business trip tomorrow and asked if he needed any laundry done today. Never mind that I was glad the answer was “no” since I don’t usually do laundry on Sundays.
Here’s why these small things, done with the other person’s comfort and happiness in mind, are so important. Having him get my tea for me and make our bed made me feel loved and cared for. Not having to go out for his newspaper and realizing that I would help him prepare for his trip gave him the assurance that his needs are important to me. Neither of us demanded or even asked the other to perform these acts. But, by doing so, we have built a foundation of loving trust that our spouse is looking out for us and wants to add to our contentment. That becomes very important when any sort of conflict or difficult decision arises. At that time, each of us can be sure that the other is not only concerned about his/her opinion or desire, but that there is goodwill toward the other and an intention to seek and do what is best for both of us.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4