Seeking Value

How many of us as parents have watched our young children open birthday or Christmas presents with that underlying fear of, "Oh crap, what's he gonna say if he doesn't like something he gets?"  If it hasn't happened to you, when your kid is old enough to talk, it will. 

And it's semi-mortifying as a parent when your child says, "I don't like that" or "I already have one" or "What else do I have?"  Especially when a close friend or family member spent their hard earned money on a thoughtful gift.  I still remember one of Thomas' favorite presents was a cheap toy that was virtually worthless...but he loved it.  He doesn't always understand the true value of a family heirloom, a traditional gift, or the cost of something collectible.  And it's not his fault, he's young and immature so he just doesn't know.

Far too often, spouses reveal our own ignorance and immaturity in not realizing the value of the gift that our husband or wife is too us.  Yea I know, sometimes we wish we had the gift receipt - tough, we're married now.  But we seem to become like a kid again looking for that shiny new toy, that thing that brings those few moments of excitement before we toss it to the side for the next fun thing to pursue. 

Think about the odds that you and spouse overcame just to meet each other.  Much less to survive dating, engagement, and however many years of marriage.  Sometimes, our "favorite" gift isn't always the most valuable.  I get caught up in work, my kids, my hobbies, and can forget the value that my wife brings to my life.  But when I am reminded of we both got here, it really puts things in perspective - "A prudent wife is from the Lord" - Proverbs 19:14.  God made her for me.

So ask yourself, how valuable is your spouse?  What is he/she really worth?  Maybe there are some dents and scratches (or wrinkles) now, but is the value found only in their appearance?  God designed your spouse specifically for you, remember just how special they are.

P.S. - I wanted to post this with a picture of my lovely spouse but I was told to delete the one I took of her yesterday so I'm honoring that request.