Last week Benjamin (he’s 5), asked his dad to bring me home flowers from him. (He does this every once in a while. For my birthday he gave his dad very specific instructions on what type of flowers to buy me. He wanted pink roses.) Gerad got home from work and Ben was right there waiting to see where they were. I heard Gerad say, ‘on the freezer’ but didn’t think much of it. A few seconds go by and then Ben comes in with a bouquet of flowers for me, beaming! I adore the fact that he wants to buy me flowers and show me love like that. I know he’s learning how to treat his future wife (eek, I don’t want to think about that for a while!) and feel so blessed he has Gerad as his example.
Here’s the thing, I oohed and ahhed over the flowers, I posted a picture on facebook, I made sure he knew how much I appreciated them and what they mean to me. I praised his sweet and caring heart and gave him the love he was hoping to get from his mom. I also, reminded Gerad he’s doing a good job as a dad training Ben up.
Then, God reminded me I need to treat Gerad that way too. See, I’m not a big flowers girl, I don’t usually ooh and ah over them. I don’t often tell Gerad how sweet he is for thinking of me. I don’t talk about them the next day, sometimes I don’t even post a picture on facebook. (On our anniversary this year, Gerad posted the picture.) I was giving my son more praise and thanks for flowers than I give Gerad.
Why? Because I know he loves me? Because I expect sweet gestures from him? Because we are comfortable in our relationship? Because I am taking him for granted? Gerad needs my encouragement and praise MORE than our children! I need to make sure he is getting that from me.
Maybe you react well when receiving a gift, but you complain about sitting and watching football with your husband on Sunday afternoon, after you spent Saturday morning cheering your kids on at their sporting events. Whatever little thing it is, make sure you keep your husband #1 so that he and your kids know it!
mission:wife 
I loved this blog today – it really challenged me to think of ways to praise my husband. And it actually challenged me to do a month of thanking him every day for the wonderful things he does for me & our family. So thanks for being inspiration for me today! http://spiceandlove.wordpress.com/2012/11/01/a-month-of-thanksgiving/
Good point!!
Where did you disappear to? Haven’t seen a new post in months!
Sorry, Ann :) I’ve had to prioritize life some and my little ones (and their schooling) has been taking my time away from here. I’ve got some good posts coming soon!
Well, family first! Looking forward to hearing from you soon!