Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: MARRIAGE (08/25/16)
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TITLE: The Ideal Model | Previous Challenge Entry
By Terry Bovinet
09/01/16 -
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Ann and Carla replaced their bookmarks and carefully closed their Bibles after finishing their weekly accountability meeting. Before they closed with prayer, they openly shared some personal concerns with each other.
“I deeply love John, but just do not understand him,” Ann began. “He expects me to do all the housework and never offers to help. After dinner, sometimes he thanks me for cooking, but he always gets up from the table, goes to his chair, and turns on the television. I clear the table and do the dishes all by myself.”
Ann continued, “I don’t really need the help, but I would like some understanding for the effort I make. Also, I wish he would connect with me rather than that TV.”
“What about the dishwasher?” Carla asked with a look of wonderment.
“It quit working after the holidays and John says we can’t afford to fix it. He has me, why does he need another dishwasher?” Although Ann softly chuckled, her words hurt from their truth.
“What should I do?” Ann earnestly asked with a tone of defeat in her voice.
“Have you talked to him about it?”
“I tried once, but he quickly dismissed me. I could tell by the look on his face not to bother him again about it.”
Carla shook her head with a frustration that almost matched her friends. “No clue.” Knowing those words would not offer any comfort, she did not want to make some empty cliché that rang hollow.
They prayed together with both bothered by the frank discussion between them.
That Sunday in church, they sat next to each other with their husbands at their sides – just like on most Sunday mornings. Carla squeezed Ann’s hand and gave her a look of compassion knowing her unspoken words would communicate her message. Ann smiled in appreciation.
After praise and worship, the pastor started.
“As we continue our series in Ephesians, I have entitled my message ‘The Ideal Model.’ Please turn to chapter 5, verse 25 of Paul’s letter.”
“Husbands love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” The words on the video screen matched the pastor’s resonant voice.
Interested listeners, the four among them, took a pen to write notes in the program or their Bibles.
“Husbands, please allow me to focus on you this morning. Now wives, don’t get too comfortable as your turn comes next week.” The congregation laughed realizing his intent for balance.
“Jesus – we know He never married a woman, so how can He show husbands the ideal model for marriage? Reflect on the love of Christ for the Church – always selfless, always complete, always perfect. I will admit my wife doesn’t always receive that kind of love from me.”
Although planned by the pastoral couple for effect, his wife’s “Amen!” brought comic relief to the setting.
“How I actually treat her - often selfish, often incomplete, often imperfect.” His sincere acknowledgment returned a thoughtful mood to the congregation.
“Husbands. The ideal model? Christ and His love for His Church – His bride. As a sacrifice. As a servant.“
John’s head dropped to his chest like a rock to the bottom of a stream. His eyes reflected dejection with a solid dose of regret. He slowly took Ann’s hand, now with his eyes closed, and gently clutched. Not quite sure of his meaning unlike when Carla squeezed her hand earlier, she decided to allow the moment to pass.
The frenzied activity of the after service fellowship took the focus away from the proceedings of the morning as they caught up with other friends. Then, the two couples hugged their good-byes and headed home.
Ann and John shared chit-chat for a while, but Ann could tell something troubled her partner for life. John tried to shape his words while Ann wavered between saying something or nothing at all.
He started with a crack in his voice, “Honey, I will call in the morning for someone to repair the dishwasher. I will dry the dishes until it gets fixed.”
Just as Ann thought of her reply, he gently placed his hand on her knee. She knew he needed to say more.
“From now on, I will help you clear the table.”
After pausing another instant, he breathed deeply and looked devotedly at his wife. “How else can I help you around the house?”
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Touching and well written.
Blessings~