It was the greasiest lotion I think I ever put on my body, and as I slopped the stuff across my skin it slid in an almost icky way.
Five types of this stuff on the store shelf. I looked down at the tub of body cream, and realized I would probably have been content with any of the other four, but this one? Sheesh. I had asked my husband to pick me up a specific brand of lotion while he was at the store, and he managed to come home with the one product out of the line that I would never have chosen. How did he manage that?!
My husband isn’t like me at all!
He never dresses the girls like I would. And hair bows? Forget about it.
His idea of watching the kids is far different from mine. It always looks like a tornado hit when I come home.
And his idea of dinner when I come home from work is completely opposite of mine. I make homemade, gourmet feasts, yet he’s the frozen pizza king.
Cleaning the house? Well, let’s just say his opinion of clean and my opinion of clean are far different.
Disciplining the kids? He is much more strict than I, and sometimes I want to remind him that they’re just little kids.
It’s like the lotion, you know? If I want things done my way then it’s obvious I must spell it out for him.
I suppose I could look at it that way, but then I think, would I really want to be married to someone just like me? Gosh, I’m pretty darn moody, and I tend to worry too much. I’m also admittedly a clean freak, I sweat the small stuff, and overreact at situations that don’t really matter in the grand scheme.
The facts are my husband isn’t a mind reader, and he’s no expert on lady’s lotion, but he cares enough to call me at work and ask, “is there anything I can get for you while I’m at the store?”
My husband doesn’t dress the girls in the most color-coordinated, cutesy outfits, yet he’s the best girl daddy I’ve ever seen. They adore their strong, compassionate father, and they feel safe in his big arms. They never doubt his love, and I suppose that’s better than a simple hair accessory.
The house doesn’t always look picture-perfect when I get home from work, but the kids are happy, healthy, and safe. In this world you often have to worry about your children, but I never have an iota of concern when their dad is taking care of them. I know they’re protected and loved, and that’s more important than a dish-free sink any day.
To be quite honest when I have reached my wit’s end with the girls I long for his stern, respected approach. Just wait till your Father gets home! His fair discipline and protective rules are only rivaled by his warm hugs and kind words afterward. I see the admiration in their eyes at his correction. They feel safe, important, and worthy of parental direction, and I am proud and honored to share this parenting journey with him.
The fact that after protecting, educating, and disciplining them all day he still makes time to run to the store for me something as unimportant as moisturizer, and then has dinner waiting when I walk in the door, well, that means a lot. Certainly more than the type of lotion he chose or even if it’s pizza once again.
I happen to like pizza, and I happen to like the fact that my husband isn’t like me. Sometimes, often times, I’m pretty sure he’s even better, and I feel so dadgum blessed to call him mine.
But I may have to pick up a different kind of lotion.
Elise McLemore says
This one is great! Just what I needed!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Barbara Allen says
So sweet, Brie. My husband of 39 yr + 2 wks passed away Sept. 6, 2011. I found out while he was sick that life is too short to sweat the small stuff & your priorities change when we realize this. I thank the Lord every day that He gave him to me for 39+ yrs. He was my high school sweet heart & we were SoulMates. I have peace in knowing that we will b together again 1 day.Remember yesterday is gone, we may not see tomorrow but today is a gift. That’s why it is called the Present. Love you in Christ. God bless you & your little family.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much for commenting and sharing. 🙂