that he really did NOT expect me to be dressed *to go out* every day.

I still knew that he was answering me according to what he *felt* my ability was, and I wanted him to be honest and tell me the truth. We had a really great talk, and eventually he admitted that, yes, he would prefer if I were dressed (not sloppy, hair and make up done) each day.

This began a discussion on the difference between the things we expect of each other and the things we would like...and then onto how some of those things are within our ability and some are not.

It's fully within my ability to get up early, I am not sick with something that causes me to be unable to get up early *if* I go to bed at a decent hour...and possibly including a catnap in the afternoon. It's fully within my ability to read and study my Bible and pray each morning before my family gets up, again there is nothing that prohibits this. It's fully within my ability to fix my husband's coffee, pack his lunch, and fix his breakfast before he even gets up.

He doesn't require this of me, but it is what he prefers and it makes him really happy. He left for work with a full stomach, and a smile on his face. That blesses me...

As we talked he mentioned that doing these things would help me as well, because they would help to change my outlook. I tend to suffer from depression and laying around in sweats all day, not cleaning as I should, wasting time online or with books/games/movies, and especially NOT reading my BIBLE or PRAYING were not helping me to have a good outlook on my *job* or my life.

He's right...if I start my day out in His Word, focussing on Him, it changes my outlook entirely. If I shower and dress...I'm ready for anybody or anything at a moments notice. (I can't tell you how many times I have found myself mortified by a drop in visitor, or brushed off my husband's invitation to dinner or shopping because I didn't *feel* like getting ready). If I do these things first then I am a step ahead of the game!

And honestly, I still don't *feel* like doing these things...but as an online friend has mentioned in many conversations, we can't always wait until we feel like doing something before we do it. Sometimes we just have to do it, and maybe eventually we will feel like it...and guess what, maybe we won't...but it'll be done anyway.