The Amazing Gift of a Godly Husband

Ephesians 5:25 — “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

1 Peter 3:7 — “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”

The last night of Cousins Camp 2016 was also Steve’s birthday. He couldn’t have imagined a better way to celebrate.

Here are a few things I’ve never heard Steve Pearson say:

“I will not change a diaper.”

“Cooking is your job. Don’t expect me to do it.”

“We’re going to do this my way. It doesn’t matter what you think or how you feel about it.”

“You need to work.  Don’t expect me to support this family by myself.”

“Spend whatever you want.  The sky is the limit.”

“You look pathetic.  I’m ashamed to be seen with you.”

Never.  Not once.  Not even a HINT of any such words or thoughts have been communicated by my husband of almost 46 years.

Regarding diapers –The very first night we were home with our firstborn child, we took turns getting up with her, changing her diaper and rocking her back to sleep. Were there nights when I did most of the late-night feedings?  Sure.  But I can say unequivocally that Steve was a very involved co-parent, never shirking his responsibility.  And I might add that he’s also great with the diapers of grandchildren, too.

Regarding cooking . . . or housework of any kind — Steve actually ENJOYS cooking, and he’s much better at washing dishes by hand than I am.  We work together on the house when it is necessary.  Generally speaking, he takes care of the yard, and I do the inside, but he knows how to do laundry, vacuum, dust and all the rest and is generous with his help.

Regarding decisions affecting both of us or all 5 of us when the kids were still home — Steve has always listened to and respected my thoughts and opinions.  Does he have the deciding vote?  Yes.  But, I have never doubted that I was heard and considered.

Regarding me working outside our home — Steve has always recognized my NEED to use my education and talents.  He has encouraged me to be fulfilled professionally.  As a matter of fact, when I went back for a second college degree when our children were young, he did the lion’s share of child care and meal preparation while I was attending classes and student teaching.  I had his unqualified backing and support.

Regarding financial spending — I would know he was sick with a high fever if he ever told me to spend to my heart’s content.  Ha!  Our biggest tugs-of-war have come from his overarching desire to save and mine to spend.  Yet, we’ve BOTH found ways to be happy.  We have a very comfortable standard of living AND a secure future — thanks 100% to his wisdom.

Regarding my physical appearance — The scales have varied vastly during the years we’ve been married, and my hairstyles have varied almost as much.  He has always made me feel attractive and self-confident.  Fluffy or skinny, very pregnant or recovering from surgery, no make-up or dressed “fit to kill,” he looks at me with love and adoration, and I bask in that feeling.

I love Steve Pearson with my whole heart.  He is a treasure to me.  The older we get, the more I value every day that we have together.  He has LIVED the verses at the beginning of this post, and I have been the blessed recipient.

Yes, Valentine’s Day is next week, but I want him to know how I feel whether it’s Valentine’s Day or Chinese New Year, the 4th of July or Halloween.  To my girlfriends out there — have you stopped lately to thank God for your husbands?  Have you made a list of his special traits?  This might be a good time to do it.