She’s Not Your Mom

Audio By Carbonatix

When you think about your mom, I’m sure there are things that she instilled in you that you are grateful for. Although nobody’s mom is perfect, after you grow up and have your own kids, you begin to realize the thankless job it can sometimes be. For the men who are married and have children, think about how your wife is in that role. 

While she’s not your mom, she’s a mom. Mother’s Day provides a great opportunity to show extra appreciation to her. Here are some tips for cherishing your wife on Mother’s Day, and all year long.

Value her opinion. Think about how good it feels when someone asks your opinion. It makes you feel valued and needed. Your wife knows you best and cares about the things that matter to you. Give her the chance to weigh in on important choices you’re making.

Compliment her. Tell her why you appreciate her, why you’re glad you married her, and why you’re proud of the woman she has become. Assume that she doesn’t hear these things from you enough.

Put her in her place. The best place, of course! Of all the people and things that belong somewhere on the pedestals of your life, your spouse deserves the Number One spot. She’s next in line after God—have you given her that honor? Does she rise above your work responsibilities, your hobbies, your toys, or your community standing?

Take Notes. Keep a list somewhere—in your wallet, at your work station, in your underwear drawer—of three or four things that are significant in your wife’s life. This may include a belief, a person, or a cause that grips her heart. 

Change. On a day when you’re feeling especially thick-skinned, ask your wife if there’s something you could change in order to be a better husband to her. Could you spend more time at home? Interrupt less? Be affectionate more often? Set a goal for one specific area in your marriage and then do what you can to start reaching that goal.

See her as “spiritual” more than “sexual.” To put this bluntly, your wife is a soul, not just a sex partner. Pause for a second and think about how often you treat your spouse as if her spiritual being matters more to you than her physical being. Today, look for ways to nurture what’s eternal. Pray for her and with her regularly.

Go first. When the two of you have a disagreement and apologies need to be made, go first. When you’re unsure of how to handle a tough issue in your relationship, go first with the discussion. 

Stay committed. Till death do you part. Build on your love day after day, month after month, year after year. Be faithful, and make sure she knows you plan to stay happily married for life. Tell your kids too! One of the greatest ways you can celebrate Mother’s Day is to assure your kids that, no matter what, Mom will always have Dad on her side.

Make sure you include your kids in the celebration and set a good example for them of how to cherish their mom. Don’t forget to send a card or make a phone call to your own mom if you are blessed to still have her in your life. For different reasons, they both hold a special place in your heart.