Wednesday, June 30, 2010

He Doesn't Disappoint


My days are filled to the brim right now as the garden spills produce onto my counters and overflows to the bowls waiting patiently on the table. Time is the enemy of freshness, and so I work, around the clock, racing to preserve these blessings. I imagine cold winter days, and feeling satisfied while we gather around the table. I'm hoping the aches in my shoulders and feet that come from standing on a hard tile floor for hours upon hours will be long forgotten by then.

It's easy to get wrapped up in the tasks at hand, ignoring the dog who lies silently at my feet, her ball tucked under her, ready for any spare moment that I might desire to play fetch. It's easy to apologize as I place supper on the table far after the dinner hour is over and younger children should be tucked in bed for the night.

I engage in conversation with the children throughout the day as we work side by side. We feel like a team, each one of us busy at his or her tasks working toward a common goal.

And then the phone rings.

I'm surrounded by jelly jars, sugar and pectin. Green beans overflow their containers and stick to shirts much to the amusement of some of the team members. He has a drive ahead of him and wants to pass the time by talking to me. Doesn't he know how busy I am trying to provide for our family? How can I talk when I have to stir continuously for one minute and then bottle this liquid gold?

My shoulders tighten as I hurry him off of the phone. Actually, he does understand how busy I am; he was just thinking of me and wanted to let me know that he loves me. Oh, and a question. Would I like to ride with him to tend to an errand later this evening? We hastily say good-bye, and sadness overtakes my weariness. He just wanted to let me know that he loves me.

He's on my mind all afternoon as I work through the half- bushel of peaches. I hate peaches. He loves them. And I love him, despite my attitude on the phone. With each peach I peel and slice, I find my heart softening, repenting of my harshness. Why am I so hasty with my words? It isn't easy to say I'm sorry and not sound trite. I resolve to do better, to make time for him in the midst of my busy-ness.

I keep an eye on the clock, working quickly, calculating the time of his arrival. Our oldest girl watches me, and knowing that I'm waiting for her daddy, offers to finish my task while I clean myself up.

I head for the shower washing away the tension from the long day. I dress carefully, in something alluring, applying make-up and fixing my hair. I return to the kitchen with just a few minutes to spare. My helper comments, "WOW! Dad is going to say, 'You look like that and you made me peach jam?' "

That's exactly what I'm hoping for.

He doesn't disappoint. He never does. As quickly as I push him out of the way when I'm busy, he's just as quick to make time for me. A lingering kiss, a long conversation. It really doesn't take much to make someone feel loved.

He's thrilled to find out that I will be accompanying him on his errand. Just the two of us. And though we're going nowhere special, the fact that I've made an effort for him is greatly appreciated. His kisses tell me so. And when we return from our errand, he helps snap the beans.


6 comments:

Terri said...

I can't tell you how many times I've had the same reaction on the phone with Dan and how many times I've regretted it. However, he too is forgiving and loving and never disappoints.

You are blessed, Tracy. However, I don't think I need to tell you that from most of your posts! ;-)

Danielle said...

My husband calls too. On his drive home he wants to catch up with me and my day. Only trouble is I've got a nursing baby, toddlers to get up from their naps, dinner to make and laundry to bring in. Some times I'll drop everything and talk. Some times I tell him I've got a hot date coming for supper and I gotta run :0)

Another beautiful post!

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Ah, the tension of tasks vs people. sigh...

It is sometimes not easy to set aside our busyness. What a blessing that your sweet girl knew and made the offer to take over.

Great post, friend.

Wendy said...

I had to laugh because I just apologized to my husband for not being as selfless as he is to me...I was in the middle of something, and had a less than enthusiastic reaction...he asked me to walk around to look at our garden, and see his freshly planted grass seed production--as we do EVERY day...just us...THEN I read your posts...very similar :-) We have honorable men you and I :-)

Sharon said...

I completely understand! There have been many times I am very busy with a task and dear Hubby wants to show me something or asks me to help him with something or get something from the house for him as he is too dirty to come inside. Many times I was less than enthusiastic about it, but have learned to cherish these moments. He knows I am busy, but always lets me know his appreciation when I graciously answer his request. We are blessed to have husbands that love us!

Susan said...

What a sweet post of love!!!!

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