If this was Freaky Friday (the original with Jodie Foster, of course!) and my husband and I switched roles. What would happen?
Not in the context of our friends asking, “Why is Barry wearing leopard print peep toe shoes?” Or “Why is Stephanie building a bonfire in the backyard to cook wild game?”
But, would God-sized dreams still flourish in our home?
I wonder. . .
If my husband came home one day from work and told me he felt like God was calling him to quit his job and start his own company, would I have listened calmly and been supportive? Or would I have asked twenty questions at a rapid pace and tried to hide my panic, feeling insecure and curious about his ability to ‘hear.’
I wonder. . .
Would I have told him “I trust you. I don’t care if we have to sell everything we own and live in a trailer, you’re going to do this. You need to live your dream.” Or would I have questioned every move he made in fear.
I wonder. . .
If he had told me that he doesn’t have a business plan and needs time to figure things out, would I have been patient? Or would I have asked every day how things are going, start to push, and turn into a nag.
I wonder. . .
Would I tell everyone I meet about his new opportunity and how smart I think it is? Or would I try to keep the focus on the other person’s ‘stuff,’ so I don’t have to answer what my husband does.
I wonder. . .
Would I be secure that God will pay the bills and send him to conferences we can’t at the moment afford, but know is in God’s plan? Or would I be checking our bank accounts every few moments, asking when the next client will be paying their invoice, and start to get a stingy heart.
I wonder. . .
Why I’ve assumed my husband would have such unbelievable faith in me. And why I’ve been so quick to take it for granted.
I wonder. . .
How can I ever thank him for being the Godly man that stands beside me when I need a hand to hold, backs me when I need someone to fall into, and gets down on his knees when I need a lift through his prayers.
I wonder. . .
Do you have a person in your life that is helping you accomplish your dreams? Will you recognize it? How will you thank them?
{Update: I read this post to my husband, out loud. He actually let me. When I was finished, I heard a sniffle. He had tears in his eyes and a smile on his face. Enough said.}
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Amanda says
My husband is currently in grad school and it seems as though he is constantly changing his mind on everything–from what he wants to do with a degree to if he wants to finish school at all and he always has these great ideas for books, games, etc. that never seem to get finished or really even started a lot of the time. Reading this made me realize just how much more I need to fully rely on God and trust in His plan for us, instead of just saying it to my husband to make him feel better. Thank you for this, because I really needed it right now. =)
Gina says
We closed our family business two years ago. My husband grew up in the business that his father starter in 1958. It was not an easy time, yet God took us through the entire grueling process allowed us to exit debt free.
From there, my husband felt God was calling him to a career in nursing home administration. It would be a year of unpaid trainning followed by a state test. He passed, but was unable to secure a position in this area. So, was God calling him to this career?
I had a position in marketing, and for us to leave the area meant that we would both have to find new jobs.
Fast forward to today, and my husband is a home improvment salesperson and I work in marketing. Nice story…….then why do I feel insecure and unsettled?
Why do I want my husband to have what I consider is a “better” job? Because I don’t trust the Lord.
Your message hit home because the man I married is the first to help a stranger, visit a friend and care for others. He puts God first in all things.
When will I see the light that is right in front of me?
Jamie says
Thank you for this! I also have the privilege of being married to an amazing, supportive and encouraging man. The last year has been full of ups and downs as I changed jobs and he tried for several different positions, struggling with frustration and doubt when they didn’t come through. We are just now coming to a place of acceptance and appreciation of where he is and the unexpected benefits God has graced us with through this position he didn’t initially want. Thank God that He is good and patient, even when we humans doubt and fret!
Robin ~ PENSIEVE says
Stephanie,
What I love about this post (among many things) is you give “us” a gentle prompt to consider life through our spouse’s perspective; would respond the same way they have to us if our roles WERE reversed. It’s an interesting exercise.
As I watch you flourish with your company, as I listen to your enthusiasm and knowledge about your field, as I’ve even received your encouragement to pursue the dreams God has gifted to me, it’s clear God is at work in and through you. What a blessing to have a husband who has encouraged you and allowed you space to explore this dream!
And thank YOU for the difference you’re making in MY life!! 🙂
xo
Holley Gerth says
You and Barry are both amazing and I’m grateful to have you both in my lives!!
allison morrison says
How I wish I was supportive when my husband decided to go out on his own doing remodeling/construction. I questioned and fretted and worried and the cycle repeated over and over. But he knew what God wanted him to do…it just took me a while to know it too. I wish I’d have trusted him and God in the beginning, but I didn’t. I do now. God hasn’t let us down. My husband has had work of some kind all of the 5 years he’s been in business for himself. A lot of his clients are widowed ladies who trust him and know he’ll hang their blinds, change lightbulbs, or whatever needs to be done.
I am thankful for his heart and that He had the courage to follow God!
wanda says
Sweet reminder to NOTICE just how much our hubby’s sacrifice for us.
They really are amazing!
Mandy says
Such a great reminder for this morning! i know that I am much quicker to criticize my husband’s every move ‘for the sake of our family’, but he puts up with all my craziness~ letting me search and dream and try a zillion new things. In fact, we’re right in the middle of the ‘what do I want to do when I grow up’ conversation again… Thanks for this~ I’m going to send it to him at work!
Dawn Camp says
Y’all are so cute. What a blessing to have a supportive husband!
Christy says
I think I missed out on so many cool blessings God had for me because I stiffled my husband’s ideas early in our marriage. I’m learning to trust more now. God has given this wonderful man a very creative heart and mind, and I will reap the benefits of his dreams and ideas if I will keep my mouth shut and my heart open to the possibilities. Thanks for sharing this.
heather says
it sounds as if you have an amazing partner in life! this tribute is beautiful and a great reminder of us to remember to be faithful to our spouse in every way. We need to be each others biggest cheerleaders!!!
christina says
My husband has gifted me with amazing support this summer through a chronic illness flare and decision to start blogging. He has added my chores to his, helped me set up the website, shared every post with his facebook friends, and patiently listened to my chatter about ideas and responses.
Thanks for reminding me how wonderful that is!
Sharon says
Thanks for writing this. It reminded me of what a great husband I have too! and how much more I need to tell him that.
Galen Pearl says
How lovely to read about so many supportive spouses. I am single and facing a big life transition as I move toward early retirement and embarking on a new chapter in my life. I am nervous and sad, but mostly excited. Even though I don’t have a spouse cheering me on, your post made me stop and think about all the wonderfully supportive friends who have listened and encouraged and reassured and celebrated by my side. Today would be a perfect day to say thank you to them. Thank you for the inspiration.
Mel's Goin Goin Gone says
I do have a few cheerleaders 🙂 It’s nice! I think my husband was actually really surprised by my writing when he read one of my short stories that won a writing contract. He thought it was a true story and asked me why I had never told him 🙂 Since then, he’s been much more supportive of my writing time.
Stephanie says
I LOVE to know that there are other ‘Barry’s’ out there. . . dream-givers, supporters, trusting lovers. Your stories are so encouraging to me! To think God is giving vision, opening hearts, planting courage in every home. . .if only we’ll listen & follow. Thank you for letting me share my own little glimpse of His glory here, among each of you. You all are beautiful!
Julie says
I often feel guilty about not “getting a real job”, but my amazing husband believes in me and trusts God. His faith is so simple. I learn a lot from him.
I am an artist who is compelled to create and share God’s beauty through my photography. It truly is a business with a mission. It hurts when my Mom calls and asks if I’m “still working part-time at the bookstore”. I’ve talked about it with my husband and we believe I am called to do this. Sometimes God does call artists. I’m AMAZED I have a husband who understands this! I thank God everyday for a husband like that. I struggle with believing in myself, but my husband and my Saviour are carrying me each step of the way.
Stacey says
Great perspective Stephanie! I would love to be that for my husband as well!
Christy says
Such a good story! You are so blessed to be married to such a great guy! So excited about all the new things you are a part of! I miss leading with you! 🙂
Nikole Hahn says
“Not in the context of our friends asking, “Why is Barry wearing leopard print peep toe shoes?” Or “Why is Stephanie building a bonfire in the backyard to cook wild game?””
This comment made me laugh.
So true though. My husband and I, I am proud to say, do this. We believe in each other. I am proud of him.
Ramblings of a Woman says
My husband has always been supportive of me. All of my ideas and dreams, and this year, through a nervous breakdown, he has been there to help me heal. I am awed by this wonderful man God gave me!
I am currently working to get a new venture off the ground. He is supportive, but I am just not sure he understands what the potential can be. I would love to get to the point where he could leave his job and us be in business together!
Thank God for great men, and thank you for giving us a reminder!
Bernice
http://bernicewood.wordpress.com/2010/10/28/the-perfectly-imbalanced-life/
Myrtle says
I am constantly reminded of the support I have through my mother and friends. Sometimes it is easy to take that for granted when it is so easily given to us. Thank you for reminding me to say thank you!
Ann Voskamp@Holy Experience says
The two become one and the Spirit is the wind and together they fly.
I could tell that night at dinner when Barry sat down, that he was pretty amazing and that’s why he married you. I could have listened to you both talk about Jesus all night long.
You both soaring in the Spirit, this makes me happy.
Thank you, Steph… you make me want to hand out wings…
lisa @thebeadgirl says
love love love
when God is at the front…when the cord of three is strong…you can do amazing things together.
thank you for sharing!
love you!!! ~ lisa