What’s Your Dream?
By Ben McGuire
“I planned to grab lunch with some folks from the office today. Is that OK with you?”
“Sure.”
The tone of her voice and the look on her face gave her away, as much as she tried to hide it.
Disappointment.
It wasn’t that she minded me having lunch out or that we couldn’t afford it. Deep down she’s genuinely happy when I can see my friends.
My lunch plans represented something much bigger: a small reminder that as a stay-at-home mom her schedule isn’t as fluid as mine.
She encouraged me to attend seminary, then cheered me on for six and half years as I labored for my degree.
She pushes me to find ways to develop skills and leadership—then applauds and encourages me.
I head off to work each day while she faithfully weathers the sometimes stormy seas of our home—because she prizes this course God has given our family; a course we chose together along with Him.
But in all my opportunities, it can be easy to forget how lonely and isolating her chosen role can be.
She has dreams, desires, and aspirations she has happily sacrificed for the sake of our family.
And sadly they can go largely unnoticed by the one person who should be her biggest champion—me!
I need to take the initiative and ask her, “Who can you have lunch with this week?”, then make sure it happens.
I need to take the reins of our home and send her out for extended time alone to refresh.
Most of all, I need to remain aware of her dreams and find ways to make room for her to pursue them. It communicates I value her as a whole person.
Husbands, here are “5 Tips for Investing in Your Wife.”
The Good Stuff: Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
Action Points:
- What are some of your spouse’s dreams and desires?
- How can you work toward helping him or her fulfill them?
- What might you need to set aside in your own life so that the spouse who’s made some sacrifices can pursue some dreams?
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