Fathers and Mothers: Devotions from Time of GraceSample

Fathers: Appreciate the Queen

It is one of the characteristics of the human race that men tend to be task-oriented and women are wired more for relationships. Do you agree? Think about it--is there male or female handwriting on most of the greeting cards that you receive? Female, of course. What would you say is the female-to-male gender breakdown of gift giving in your circles? 50/50? I doubt it. Try 80/20, and I might believe you.

Everybody needs to grow in cultivating a thankful spirit, but I think men have farther to go. Tending and mending relationships is learned behavior for us. One of the most crushing burdens for a woman to bear, especially one who has sacrificed much to bear and nurture young children, is to go unappreciated.

TV shows celebrate narcissistic males in an endless quest for a glamorous trophy babe. Husbands, has God blessed you with a woman who has been faithful to you, worked hard, built up your reputation, and poured herself into the lives of your children? Do you have any idea what a prize God gave you? “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bonesï” (Proverbs 12:4).

Wear your crown with pride. Have you told her today (hey--I mean today--last week doesn't count) how much you appreciate her? Flowers “just because” get you bonus points.