Trauma Relief - When Mana Ain't Happy...

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 24:1-34
Key Verses: Proverbs 24:3-4

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding
it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.

When Emilie and I were shopping in the Market'place in Charleston, South Carolina, a booth displaying handmade dolls caught our eyes. I noticed right away the one whose apron had the words, "When Mamma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." I smiled to myself and showed Emilie the doll. Smiling as well, she said, "So true! If Mom's happy, the whole family is happy."

But you probably already knew that! As husbands, we can help make the whole family happy if we make sure Mamma is happy! If we spent time knowing our wives and finding out what makes them tick and ticked we would truly enrich our family's lives.

I'm not saying that we are responsible for another person's happiness because we aren't. Each one of us is responsible to find our own happiness. However, we husbands can set the stage for our wives so that their happiness can flourish. And, when that happens, we husbands will receive riches and blessings in return. Women give their all to their families when they feel appreciated and when they know their husbands care about their thoughts, their feelings, and their daily world.

So think about it for a minute. How well do you know your wife? What are you doing to keep her happy to meet her needs and to let her know you love and appreciate her? Are you spending the time with her she needs? Are you listening when she wants to talk? Start today to do these things, and you'll be enabling her to be a loving mother and wife and when Mamma's happy, everybody's happy!

Father God, forgive me for taking for granted the blessing of my wife. Help me see where I've been insensitive and unappreciative. And help me, every day, to let her know how much I love her and how much I appreciate all she does for our family. I want her to realize that I see Christ reflected in her life. I truly want her to know that she is a blessing to me. Amen.

Surprise your wife with an impromptu date. Call her and say, "Get dressed up. I'm taking you somewhere special for dinner tonight." Choose a romantic setting and be sure to line up a babysitter if you need one. Don't leave that to her.

Leave your wife a small present-a single flower, apiece of her favorite candy, a small stuffed animal somewhere in the house where she'll find it. Don't forget a card that tells her how much you appreciate her.