When You Shouldn't Let Him Lead

My Bible Study group is amazing, so it's no surprise we had an amazing discussion about marriage this week. It reminded me of something I've tried to practice over the last several months.

Not following my husband's lead. (Take it easy lady, in the small country church. Let me explain.)

Now before I go on, I'm going to make one thing very clear. The Foxy Mr is awesome. He is the steadiest person I know. I always know what I can expect from him - and that spells LOVE to a girl who delights in security and dependability. And he's human, like the rest of us. There. Let's move on.

When things happen that can twist your nerves like a ball of string in a dryer
Like a tough day at work
Or the kids' incessant bickering
Or an electric bill that is astronomical
Or just an "off" day from lack of sleep
Or any other event that can make you want to roll your eyes back in your head...way back.

When stuff like that happens and his mood is a little off, I am careful not to follow. I try not to take it personal. If I do, I end up mirroring the frustration or irritation and then the whole house is off kilter - and the kids wonder what in the world is going on! I don't dismiss his concerns, but I know how important it is to set the tone in the house. I do whatever I can to keep positive and give him space (and pray for him). He bounces back much quicker than I do!

Happy people are more fun to be around. Knowing that fuels my effort to look on the bright side of things and to keep my chin up. And to smile more at him when he isn't having the time of his life. (Cause the Foxy Mr definitely makes me happy, even when my world is on fire.)

Ladies, do you need to stop following his lead (or someone else in your house) on this one? Do you set the tone for a nice evening with a smile, kind word or encouragement to your husband when he walks in the door? Or do you join the crowd when he comes home grumpy from a bad day?

It's hard to stay in a bad mood when you're around happy people that love you.

Thankfully he does not follow MY lead when I'M grumpy. (or when I'm in the passenger seat of the car but that's a totally different blog post...)

Reason #1682 I love him big.