The title is meant to be sarcastic and meant for me.  Somestimes I get so used to being in charge around here that when God actually speaks to my husband and I let him have something to say - it usually turns out pretty good.   We had this experience a few days ago when I was having a "Christmas" breakdown.  You know how it goes - your "to do" list is a lot longer than the amount of time you have and you feel like you're the only one who can do it all.   I shared this feeling of panic with my husband as he left for work one day, kissed him goodbye, and began my busy day. 

 About an hour later he calls and says that he wants us to do something special that night.   I have to be honest -  my first thought was NO! Not something else for me to do!  We were already planning to have a night at home with the kids, no outside obligations.   I shut my mouth and just listened and what I heard was such a blessing.  My husband said that he was praying on his way to work and really felt God speaking to him about how Jesus is the "smallest gift under the tree".  (isn't that a great way of saying it?)  He continued by telling me that he wanted to demonstrate this to the kids that night by writing "Jesus" on  a small piece of paper and wrapping it in the smallest box we could find.  He would then read some verses from Isaiah about the coming king, and then ask the kids to go to the Christmas tree and find the smallest gift.  

I thought this was a great addition to the evening I had pictured in my mind.  In addition, I had some questions I had typed out that morning that I wanted to use as a "family discussion" time after the holidays.   I told my husband about these and he said we should use them tonight. 

So after a great dinner we called the kids into the livingroom and began our night.  My husband started off by reading the scripture and asking the kids what Christmas was all about.  They've heard this all their lives, so it was not a hard question.  He then told them that this country has gone crazy and that we wanted to be a little more focused in the coming years.  He assured them that we weren't turning into the grinch and doing away with gifts, but that we really wanted to be different in how we see Christmas in the future.  The boys then opened the small, little box that contained a crumpled up piece of paper.  As my 14 yr. old unfolded the paper and read the name on it, you could see understanding on his face.   It was a teaching moment.   (hands on is so much more effective than lecturing!)

After a few more minutes of discussing Christmas, we then proceeded with the questions I had typed out for the family.  They were just simple questions such as: "What do you want more of from Mom/Dad?What would you change about the family? What chores do you hate/like? What do you want to do on "family night"? 

We had a great night!  We spent about 1 1/2 hours just talking and discussing and getting to know each other's opinions about how we're doing as a family.  Nothing profound, but eye-opening. 

I was so blessed by that ordinary day and night.  I was blessed because God spoke to my husband and I didn't have to badger him or come up with the idea.   I was so blessed to know that God will speak to my husband on my behalf.   And, of course, so blessed because I have a husband that prays for me and our family every morning on the way to work. 

God is good ladies!  And He does speak to our husbands.  We just have to step aside and be quiet so our husbands can hear!

Merry Christmas!

P.S. Feel free to use the "smallest gift" idea.  Just be sure to say "David" told you about it.  And be sure to say that "David" got the idea from God.   Thanks!

• Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!