Sacrifice in Marriage

Someone gave me a generous gift of $500 this year for Christmas. I have been a birdwatcher for about 2 years now, and I wanted to use that money to buy my first pair of good binoculars. But as I considered my husband and his needs, I felt prompted to give the money to him, to pay bills. He was feeling financial pressure after a hard month at work followed by the holidays.

There is nothing I could have bought with that $500 that would have given me as much pleasure as his response did. It was a mixture of relief and gratitude, pure love and surprise, and it humbled me.

My husband recently earned a trip through his job. There were many locations to choose from, several of which appealed to him. But there was one location that I have dreamed of visiting my whole life. It’s an eco-trip, with lots of hiking and birdwatching. That is not exactly my husband’s idea of fun, but he insisted on taking me there. As he put it, “It isn’t often that you have the chance to make your beloved’s lifelong dream come true!”

It is tempting in marriage to think about what my husband can do for me. But my heart should always be focused on what I can do to bless my husband. Our marriages should be full of this kind of giving and receiving.

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13: 16

Comments

  1. That reminds me of the Gift of the Magi.

    Two years ago, I bit the bullet while my dh started his own business. We didn’t make any money for a very long time. He sacrificed the little money we had left to send me to a writers’ conference to fulfill my dream of being published.

    God is so good to provide when we consider others as better than ourselves.

    Your post reminded me of Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. Elizabeth Prentiss.

  2. It’s such a blessing to be able to bless each other! It’s what truly makes marriages work 🙂

    Have fun on your trip!

    God bless,
    Sallie

  3. Molly, this is such a sweet post! Marriage is truly wonderful when each lives for the other. 🙂

    Patsy

  4. Anonymous says:

    I needed that this morning. I’ve been a bit self focused recently. Thank you for sharing. I came to your blog by “accident” and God had a message just for me.

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