Short-sighted

Maybe this isn’t your story, but at one time it was my reality. Whether it was real, or only in my mind, my husband and I could not see eye to eye on anything. We argued constantly. I would pray daily for God to take either one or both of us if He could not get glory from us. My humanistic perspective was based only on what I could see during that challenging tine.

Fast-forward several years, with teenagers in the house, and I am so thankful that both of us are still around. I was never a boy. My husband was never a girl. And in that reality, being able to relate individually to both our boy and girl is such a blessing. My husband has the skills needed to teach our son to be a man of integrity. I have the skills needed to teach our daughter to be a woman of strength and courage with a quiet spirit – well, I may be still working on the quiet spirit part!!! But, you get the idea, right?

In our individuality we each have gifts and a way of seeing and interacting with the world around us. I cannot live within the mindset of my husband. I’ve actually tried and let me tell you, I was miserable. But, even more miserable is if I expect my husband, and by extension our son, to see and interact with the world in the same way I do. They are not built the same way I am. Their psyche does not respond to situations, or solve problems in the same way mine does. But, better yet, I don’t actually have the tools nor the ability to look at the world and discern in the same way they can.

There have been so many times when my husband has saved me from my naive self because of his vantage point. Thankfully, he loves me enough to speak truth to me even when I have a hard time receiving. I remember one time telling him with tears running down my face, “Tell me again. I want to do what you’re asking me, but my foolish pride is getting in the way. So, please tell me again. Don’t give up on me because I truly am not trying to put myself in danger.” Yes, I have a habit of doing that. But, God bless my husband. That man comes and rescues me every time.

I guess the point is this. I was wrong to pray that God take one or both of us, and I’ve asked forgiveness for that. And, I’m willing to admit I was short-sighted. The part I want my children to learn as they continue to grow is that it’s ok to see the world as God allows you. Be free to enjoy that, and be careful that you recognize the way others see the world is just as real to them as the way you see it.

Lord, may I have your eyes. Help me see with your eyes.