Help us welcome one of our own Praying Wives Traci Little as our guest post today~
When I Tell My Husband “I’m Just Too Tired”
I’ve spent the day cleaning up messes, kissing boo boos, breaking up fights, teaching children how we shouldn’t be selfish and share your toys, dishes, laundry, sweeping, mopping, getting dinner ready…………. (deep breath in)
Evening time rolls around. Okay Traci, exhale! Now there’s time for you!
I put our youngest to bed for the night and you can now find me sprawled out, half alive on comfy couch. “When did I get so old?” I think to myself.
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When my husband and I were dating, we spent countless hours talking, laughing, playing games into the wee hours of the morning, never batting an eye at the need for some sleep (or at least never admitting it, right?)!
Now, many times, when my husband wants to spend time with me, what is my response? “I’m just too tired, Babe.”
What am I telling him when I say that, over and over? “You don’t matter to me right now.”
I would never even think of coming right out and saying that to him. Certainly it is understandable why I would be tired! Being a stay at home mommy is tasking work physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. But men have a huge need to be “needed!” They want us to lavish our time upon them.
So how do I (and you), shift the trend of telling our husbands we are too tired?
Here are 10 practical ways we can!
1) Communicate with your husband throughout the day.
Ask his how his day is going; it isn’t just about us. Be honest with one another and make huge provision for grace and forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 ~ “…and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
2) Confess your faults quickly!
Do not make room for unconfessed sin in your marriage. It will cut a massive wedge between the two of you and bitterness will spring up and choke both of you! 1 Peter 4:8 ~ “Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
3) Take a short cat nap before he gets home from work.
A nap! Are you kidding me? When would I have time for that? This may simply be closing your eyes on the couch for 20 minutes. You can do that while the kids play.
4) Reserve some energy for him.
Don’t give out all of your affection to your children. Children need affection; husbands need it just as much, if not more. A way to help with this is by making some time for you throughout the day. Find at least one thing you can do that you enjoy! It may be taking a moment to read a good book, take a long, hot shower while the kids are napping, or relaxing and listening to your favorite music.
5) Be prepared!
Think about special things your husband likes. Is it baking him some homemade, gooey chocolate chip cookies? What about setting some time aside to play a board game with him after the kids go to bed? What did you enjoy when you were dating one another? Bring that youthfulness
alive again by planning ahead! Amos 3:3 ~ “Do two walk together, unless they have made an appointment?”
6) Take the lead!
No, I’m not talking about the lead of your home, but the lead when it comes to intimacy! Our husbands enjoy being pursued every once in awhile in the bedroom. Surprise him; he will love your surprises. Be creative! Hebrews 13:4 ~ “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous.”
7) Be Thankful for him!
Think thankful thoughts about him throughout the day. Keep a thankful journal, and write down any and every reason you appreciate him.
8) Keep first things first.
God first, your husband next, and your children last. “So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” ~ Mark 10:8-9
9) Eat well and exercise!
Don’t stuff yourself with empty carbs and sugar throughout the day and into the evening. This may seem silly, but it has a lot to do with my energy level. I tend to “crash” if I eat too much sugar, especially in the evening. Exercise and keep yourself fit! This will increase your desire for life and your husband!
10) Daily seek the Lord in your marriage.
Be honest and confess where you have been selfish and the areas you could grow in. Ask Him to show you how to love your husband, for only you and the Lord know exactly what your husband needs!
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Marriage takes work, but it is so worth it! Are you investing in your marriage today? We are imperfect women, but serve a perfect Savior! Ask Him to be your strength!
About the Author:Traci is a curly-headed dreamer who loves her Savior, adores her best friend called Hubby, and her two children. She loves to blog, do crafts, take pictures, cook, decorate cakes, and making her home cozy and inviting! Join Traci as she shares her ordinary inspirations over at: www.OrdinaryInspirations.blogspot.com
