The Little Things

My kids are sick! So sick, that Bella threw up a few times Thursday night and as I rode the train to work, my stressed, and tired wifey called to ask if I could work from home.

"OF COURSE!" I said. So I rode my bike through the rain from the train station, got soaking wet, grabbed my stuff from San Francisco, and then got wet again before hopping on the next train home. By time time I finally returned home, it was already 10am but she was happy I was there. Me being there would have been enough but I've been really trying to spend more time listening for her needs. There's something about giving, unconditionally, to your spouse, that ends up filling you with purpose and making your marriage stronger.

I'll admit, there are times when I say, "I'm not having my needs met." When that happens, it usually means I can do a better job of meeting her needs first. I know... you're probably saying, "Nathan, you're crazy! To think I'm going to sacrifice even more when I'm depleted just isn't realistic." Well, I'm not telling you what to do, rather, what MY positive experience has been. Try it out, you'll be surprised what happens.

Back to my example. Upon getting off the train, I had the following thought, "My wife hasn't slept all week, she stayed up last night with a sick kiddo, and then had to deal with two girls feeling horrible early in the morning. She's probably spent and needs some time to rest." So what did I do?? I scheduled a massage at her favorite place at around 1:30pm in the afternoon. She was so surprised when I came home and told her of the appointment. It wasn't anything HUGE but it was enough to let her leave the sick house and tend to her personal needs. When she got home, she was more relaxed and as a family, we benefited from that. HUGE WIN FOR ALL!!

I'm not bragging at all, rather, sharing an experience I had.  For some, they might not have the money for a massage or might be dealing with more than just a sick kiddo. I DO think there's still opportunity to reward your spouse with something, even if it's little like flowers or a hand made card letting them know how you feel. I hope you can find a way that works for you. Do something this week out of the blue. All I know is the more I do things like this, the better father, husband, and friend I become.