Sucked into Serving
Theme of the Week: A Gift That Keeps on Giving
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Don't think only of your own good. Think of other Christians and what is best for them ( 1 Corinthians 10:24 ). Bonus Reading: Romans 12:9-11
For the first 15 years of my marriage, I was a terrible husband. Diane held a full-time job, became my secretary, mothered our daughters, and waited on me hand and foot. I loved my wife very much, but I hadn't learned how to show my love. God used a vacuum cleaner to teach me.
First, I learned that our cat was terrified of vacuum cleaners. That kept me entertained for about an hour. Then as I vacuumed in one direction, a stripe would appear. Entranced, I striped the whole room. Then I went crossways, creating a checkerboard pattern. I got so carried away that I dusted the furniture and straightened the entire house.
I was in my easy chair once again when Diane came home. She struggled through the door with a bag of groceries under each arm, kicked the door shut with one foot, and then took in the house with an expert glance. Her mouth dropped open. Slowly the bags slipped from her grasp and dropped to the floor. "Who did this?" she asked.
"I did," I said.
Without warning, she attacked. Diving on me, she smothered me with kisses and hugs. The kisses grew more passionate. We broke the chair!
The vacuum taught me an important lesson: love is expressed with more than just words.
—Ken Davis in Lighten Up!
My Response: A pleasant surprise I'll spring on someone today is …
Thought to Apply: Marriage is our last best chance to grow up—JOSEPH BARTH (pastor).
Adapted from Lighten Up! (Zondervan, 2000) by permission.
Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Your Son taught us, Lord, that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Help me to believe it and apply it in my own family.
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