Grace

Saturday was a pretty hectic day for me. Johnny's roommate from college was spending the weekend with us, I had a meeting at church at 9am, and then I was heading to work at 1pm for an event that I was in charge of. In between church and heading to work, I was hit with one of the worst headaches I've ever had. I was literally fighting back tears as I swallowed some ibuprofen and hoped for the best. All this to say, I wasn't doing great on Saturday. I was exhausted. I was a little anxious about the event. And I felt like I got knocked by a sledgehammer right between the eyes. 

Johnny came in about ten minutes before I had to leave (he had been playing racquetball with his old roommate), and I pretty much bit his head off. He asked me when I had to be at work, and he received the first chomp from his beloved wife. He then asked if I was okay, and I bit back again. He picked a piece of fuzzy lint off the jacket I was wearing, and he got his hand swatted. He then asked if there was anything he could do for me, and I lost it. I informed him that my head was in a vice, I was beyond tired, and I needed to be at work in 30 seconds (mind you, I live 30 seconds away from work, but that was besides the point in that moment).

I bet you're wondering what Johnny said when he snapped back at me. I bet you're wondering how it felt when he gave me the silent treatment for the next few days. I bet you're wondering how hard he slammed the door as he reacted to my words. Well, here's how it went down.

Johnny informed me he would be in the car to drive me to work. When I stepped outside, he was holding the passenger side door for me. When we were in the car, he laid his hand on my leg and prayed for me, that I would have strength for this day, that my headache would go away, and that I would be filled with grace and joy. He pulled in front of my office as he was finishing his prayer. He kissed me on the cheek and wished me luck. I stepped out of that car feeling pretty crummy about how I had treated my gracious husband. Later that day, we exchanged some text messages:

-June: Johnny, I'm sorry I snapped at you. I was so crummy to you today.
-Johnny: It's okay June! I forgive you! I can't wait to see you tonight :)

When the event ended (about 11pm), I came home to a smiling husband. He wrapped his arms around me and asked me about the event. We sat on the couch, and he massaged my aching toes. Not a word was said about how I had acted earlier that day. In fact, Johnny treated me as though it had NEVER happened. 

This is how Johnny treats me. He never rubs my face in my mistakes. He never reminds me a day, a week, six months, or two years later about my shortcomings. He never snaps at me. He forgives me. He is gracious to me. He treats me as though I have never done anything wrong to him. 

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." Ephesians 5:25

"In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered." 1 Peter 3:7

"Make allowance for each others' faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so forgive others." Colossians 3:13

My husband is a good man. Through him allowing God to be the center of his life, he extends grace, honor, and forgiveness to me, even when it is undeserved. I've said it once, and I'll say it a million more times during the next 67 years. I am a blessed girl.