Last month Todd and I went to a baby shower. The host set aside some time for the guests to share their helpful tips with the engaged couple. The advice my husband offered was, “Always think the best. Even when your spouse says something that doesn’t seem the best—believe the best.” Even though I’ve been hearing this quote for nearly fifteen years, I am just beginning to grasp the wisdom in it.
This past weekend I took a step in the direction of believing the best. We were going on vacation and temperatures were predicted to be in the thirties. Todd asked me a couple of times if I needed new wool pants for our trip. Each time I answered, “No.” Finally he suggested I try on my old pants just to make sure. “Why?” I asked with some irritation, “They have always fit before.” “Well, they were a little snug the last time you wore them—don’t you remember?” He was really trying to pick his words carefully. “What?!” I was about to flip, “That was right after I had a baby!!” Still calm, he continued with “Well, just try them, you never know.” I was thinking the worst at this point, “So, he thinks I am a two ton tessy!” But after a minute I really looked at him, and it struck me that he wasn’t accusing me of anything. He was being practical and wanted me to have warm clothes to wear, that was all. (I WAS relieved though when I tried on the pants and they fit just fine.)
Still have a long ways to go, but the first steps of believing the best were taken. Perhaps I will see my husband’s good heart sooner next time.
Conclusion of article tomorrow.