Love the Ox: Gaining Perspective in Marriage

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My husband made a killer brisket recently. As a result there are smears of grease on the back door and a trickle of some magic sauce across the patio, and I won’t even talk about the counter tops.  Ah, the tell tale signs that hubby is home and up to something.

Doesn’t he see the smears, crumbs, splats and grime left in his dust as he goes from one project to another? How could he not see it, I have often pondered.  Over the years I have complained about it. That did absolutely no good. I have tried to train him to clean it up. He tries, he really does, bless his heart. But finally, after many years, the truth of his standard response has reached my heart.

“Where no oxen are, the manger is clean,
But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.” Proverbs 14:4

Oh so true! I am so thankful for the revenue and strength brought to our house by my very own messy, but loveable, ox. I would hate it if I sat in my clean manger doing life all by myself.

There are so many instances where we can be so much happier if we take a step back and gain perspective. God gave me a wonderful man who loves me, protects me and provides for me. So what if he leaves a little trail for me to clean up! (and yes, I have a few idiosyncrasies of my own that he must put up with!)

While keeping in mind all that my ox contributes to our household, I just may go clean up that smear on the door with a heart of thankfulness, a smile on my face and a skip in my step.