Praying Wife: Week #3 Check-in

This week has been tough. Duck even asked if we could go back to last Wednesday Um, no honey. We’re moving on. It seems this week has been packed with softball practices (for Duck and I), homework, and other general life stuff. Duck has been overwhelmed with not getting stuff done, but really I think we’re all trying to do too much. With softball games starting Monday, I don’t think it’s going to get any easier. So in addition to this week’s subjects, I added time management to the prayers.

I also wanted to share that last week’s check-in made Duck feel good. One of his love languages is words of affirmation. Frankly, I suck at this love language when it comes to spoken words. Most of the time I don’t have the right tone of voice or he’s trying to prod a compliment out of me so it loses it’s effect. But when I write here, I have time to formulate my thoughts. I also tell things that normally might not come up in every day conversation. The thing that stood out last week was when I said he’s a hard-worker but puts us first. He’s often not recognized by coworkers for the hard work he puts in, so it made him feel better when at least I could see it. I see him doing so many things right, but often don’t think to tell him so — or assume he knows. You know what happens when you assume, right? That’s me! So be sure you tell your hubby good stuff — even if words of affirmation isn’t his love language!

His Mind: This is a powerful one. I see evidence of this a lot and even more so on a ball field. Duck has started letting little lies into his mind. He used to believe he couldn’t hit home runs. Now that he hits them, it’s that he can’t hit down third base line anymore. He played in a tournament last weekend. He started out hitting well but then he got out one time. Then the next. It went down hill from there.

His mind wasn’t right. Instead of thinking “I am going to hit this ball and get on,” he was thinking “oh no, hope I don’t get out again.” I couldn’t get his mind back on track. He’d ask what he was doing wrong, but he couldn’t hear me. It wasn’t until we were practicing one day with our trainer, that he finally started to listen to us (ok, more the trainer, but me too). Once his mind got straight and he remembered the things he knows he’s supposed to be doing, he was hitting, throwing and catching really, really well. Physically he can do everything that he’s trying to do — the thing holding him back was his mind.

I can’t say much about this other than I need to keep praying about it — for him and for me too. My mind gets me in trouble too. But we’ll save that for Praying Woman

His Fears: Oh my! This is another big one. It goes right along with his mind. Fears enter his mind and instead of realizing they are a distraction from the devil, he starts going over them again and again and again. I’ve seen other members of his family express fears too under the guise of being prepared. Like if I have the fear of someone jumping in my car at a red light it’s good to have because then I’ll lock my doors every time I’m in the car. I kinda struggle with understanding some of his fears, so if you have any insight about this area — I would love to hear. Don’t get me wrong. I love that he cares about me and wants me to be around for a very long time, but is it healthy for him to be thinking, worrying about me going to the store by myself? The fears do not keep us from going and doing things though — so maybe it is healthy. More prayers needed here me thinks.

His Purpose: I love this chapter. I pray it for myself too. “God is not the author of confusion, strife, or unworkable situations. He is the God of perfect timing.” — pg 95. Totally love that quote! Many times Duck and I have reminded each other that if we are confused about what to do, it’s best not to do anything until God makes it clear — obvious, hit-me-up-side-the-head-with-a-2-x-4 clear.

His Choices: To be honest, I think I’ve been praying this more for me than him Maybe I should have started with the Praying Woman! I think Duck makes very wise decisions. He researches all the options and chooses what he thinks is best. Sometimes I might just jump in without really thinking things through, so I’m glad he’s pretty solid in this area. Love this quote too but for me it’s not limited to just his choices: “…don’t try to fix him. God is the only one who can do that. Your job is to love and pray for him.” — pg 100.

His Health: We have been very blessed with our health. Besides both of us having allergy issues, we are healthy. He works out 3-4 days a week and has for the past 3 or more years. He encouraged me to start at the gym because he wanted me to be healthy too. So today, I thanked God for his health and asked for Him to heal the sinus headache Duck has.

I’ve realized this week that it may be hard for you to keep up. Please don’t feel like you have to keep up with my schedule. Just continue to read a chapter when you can. It’s ok if you’ve gotten behind. Just don’t give up! Have a blessed weekend