I'd trade my husband for a housekeeper

No I would not!

But that is the title of a book I just read, which actually has very positive things to say about husbands.

The book is not Christian, and I’m not recommending it as the next great marriage-builder, but sometimes it’s fascinating to read secular books and get a feel for what the world in general is thinking these days.

These days they’re thinking that this marriage thing just isn’t working right.

And for the most part, they’re right. Most marriages today aren’t working right, aren’t working as God intended them to.  He created marriage as a glorious picture of Christ and the Church and yet we’ve scribbled all over that picture with our sin and our selfishness. (The crayon is in my hand too.)

And while these authors don’t have the power of God’s Word to shed true light on the situation, they did point out one thing in particular that really struck me about our society:

There is far more pressure to be a “good mom” than there is to be a “good wife.”

Isn’t that the truth? I have never lost sleep over whether or not I am a good wife. But you better believe I have cried my eyes out over whether I’m a good mom. Why is that?

Probably lots of reasons. For me, the marriage thing is just so much easier than parenting. I have the most amazing, godly, laid-back, low-maintenance husband. It is impossible to fight with him. It’s really hard to displease him. Kids? Um…kids can go from zero to meltdown in about 2 seconds. And they don’t seem to mind fighting at all.

Secondly, marriage just seems so much more intuitive. Just being a godly person with common sense makes a great spouse. But, at least in my opinion, that doesn’t necessarily make a great parent. Whoever said parenting comes naturally must know a different kind of natural than me. I’m learning, but it’s not second-nature to be sure.

Finally, when we get together with our girlfriends, we almost always talk about our kids. We blog about kids, read books about kids, encourage each other about our kids, but how cool would it be if we were that passionate about taking care of our husbands? He’s the one that’s going to still be around when the little munchkins are long gone.

He’s the one who completes your personal picture of Christ and His church, for all the world to see.

Your kids and you don’t show the world Christ. Yes, you reflect God our Father and Parent by godly parenting, but only our marriage is held up in Scripture as the picture of Christ and the church. It’s interesting that a secular book would, of course, discover the same truths that God spoke thousands of years ago. Marriage first. Kids second.

So does your marriage need some attention? Take this fun quiz (from the book) and find out for yourself:

Circle all that apply:

• You spend more time with Mr. Potato Head than your husband.
• You’ve fantasized about spraining your ankle just so you can spend some quiet time in the emergency room.
• Your last “date night” was … when you were dating.
• You rationalize not washing your hair for another day because it will save you twenty minutes.
• You refer to your husband as “Daddy.”
• You’re be more concerned with making sure your kid is wearing the right soccer uniform than whether there’s any food in the fridge for your husband.
• You have an uncontrollable fondness for sweatpants, yoga pants, or any pants with an elastic waistband.
• You celebrate your anniversary with a family trip to the zoo.
• His email address comes to mind faster than his first name.

What are three things you can for your husband, today, to show him he’s the top priority in your life? Thanks for reading, and happy Monday!