How fitting as I finish up May’s theme of “Encouraging Our Husbands” into June’s theme of “Priorities in Marriage” that this last week of my journey through the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge would have two days dealing with balance.  To me, the two are entwined.  If you have your priorities in order, you will have a more balanced life.

Day 25 gave two bible verses and then asked that before I considered how these verses describe my husband, that I consider my own presence in our home.

“…seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14b

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

Do I promote an atmosphere of peace in the home?  Am I a calming influence for my husband?

My downfall here isn’t really critical words or anger, but over-committing, over-scheduling and over-expecting.  Two times this week, I heard him say just moments after he came home from work, “It is chaos in here.”  Chaos seems a fairly regular state in our home with 3 boys, ages 4, 3 and 1, but more than their rowdiness, I believe this comment was about me.  Both times I had some immediate task I needed his help with, or an obligation that would soon have us rushing out the door.  My husband needs some time to unwind after work and he’s shared this need with me.  By creating a moment of peace, even if it is 15-20 minutes, before laying out the evening to-do list, I can give Dave a sense of serenity and an inviting atmosphere to come home to.

The next day, day 26, challenged me as it said “Be sure you are working towards balance in your own life, as well.  Be an example!”  There is a goal I’m striving for, and have made changes in the last several months to achieve, but one that still feels a daunting distance away.  I found comfort in the verse for that day:

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:52

Even Jesus was on growing and moving towards self-improvement.  The day’s challenge went on to say, “The important thing is to keep growing in Christ and obeying the Word of God…”.  For me, this journey to be the peaceful, encouraging, God-honoring wife I long to be will go much beyond this 30-day challenge.  This challenge has been a wonderful reminder of the positive influence I can have on my husband with my appreciation and words of encouragement, and how blessed I am to have the husband that I do.

For those that have come along on this journey with me, what areas will you commit to continue to grow in beyond these 30 days?

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