The "No Events" Day
"How would our marriages be transformed if we learned to listen to God on behalf of our spouses?" Gary Thomas, Sacred Parenting
My calendar revealed a rare occurrence on Monday. "No events." I couldn't remember the last time I had seen those words, especially on a Monday! Even the laundry baskets were less than a quarter full. My organizational mindset turned on full-power Sunday night as I anticipated an "open day."
Inevitably, I woke up late. Already engrossed in the television, the kids lounged on the furniture like dream-laden zombies while I ironed a pair of pants for my husband before he rushed out the door for work. But, as I impatiently waited for my Keurig to spout out my first cup of coffee, the phone rang nano-seconds after he left. I hadn't even gotten a first sip when he said, "I just need to talk."
Isn't that my line?
I listened as he shared concerns about our mortgage, sparked by this week's congressional budget vote, a recent Sleep-Number bed purchase, and a company dinner with the board of directors that night. As the kids milled around me in directionless stupors and my mental piles grew to Mount Everest proportions, I reminded him the government has been going to hell in a handbasket since the time of the Founding Fathers, we should cancel the bed purchase if he was losing sleep over it, and maybe the dinner would provide enlightening information about the future. As far as the house, all I could think about was getting our books organized and shelving the financial one. Seemingly placated, we decided to move on with our days.
When I called later in the morning to ask him a question, I could hear in his voice he still wanted to talk. I suggested lunch. "That would be nice," was his eager reply. So, I swallowed my disappointment about losing my "no events" day, ventured into the pending storms, and enjoyed some comfort-food and kidless conversation. On the way back to his office, my sweet husband confessed he wasn't looking forward to the dinner, mostly because he wanted to spend some time with me.
In retrospect, I wonder what would have happened if I hadn't listened to his need for my company and undivided attention. I may have had more time for sorting my books, but would the day have been better for it? When I needed encouragement later about our son's algebraic attitude, would he have given it as readily? Maybe. Maybe not.
When I read the above quotation by Gary Thomas Tuesday morning, I simply smiled, thankful I had listened to God's prompting. My time with Him had been shoved aside, yet He turned my attention in the right direction. I also marveled at my teenage son's willingness to set his algebra aside and to make his brothers lunch, so I could meet his father's need for his mother's companionship. It meant accomplishing our Mount Everest piles later than we liked, but it assured all of us continued the climb together, ending in a "no event" ascent for the day.