Folks – Someone sent me this letter today that perfectly illustrates one of the points I was making in my sermon yesterday. Enjoy!
Dear Friends; It is important for men to remember that,
as women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain
the same quality of housekeeping as when they were younger.
When you notice this, try not to yell at them. Some are
oversensitive, and there's nothing worse than an
oversensitive woman.
My name is Jim. Let me relate how I handled the
situation with my wife, Peggy. When I retired a few years
ago, it became necessary for Peggy to get a full-time job
along with her part-time job, both for extra income and for
the health benefits that we needed. Shortly after she
started working, I noticed she was beginning to show her
age. I usually get home from the golf club about the same
time she gets home from work.
Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost
always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before
she starts dinner. I don't yell at her. Instead, I
tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets
dinner on the table. I generally have lunch in the
Men's Grill at the club so eating out is not
reasonable. I'm ready for some home-cooked grub when I
hit that door. She used to do the dishes as soon as we
finished eating. But now it's not unusual for them to
sit on the table for several hours after dinner. I do what
I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each
evening that they won't clean themselves. I know she
really appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to
get them done before she goes to bed.
Another symptom of aging is complaining, I
think. For example she will say that it is difficult for
her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch
hour. But, boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so
I just smile and offer encouragement. I tell her to
stretch it out over two or even three days. That way she
won't have to rush so much. I also remind her that
missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her
any (if you know what I mean). I like to think tact is one
of my strong points.
When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she
needs more rest periods. She had to take a break when she
was only half finished mowing the yard. I try not to make
a scene. I'm a fair man. I tell her to fix herself a
nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just
sit for a while. And, as long as she is making one for
herself, she may as well make one for me too.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the
way I support Peggy. I'm not saying that showing this
much consideration is easy. Many men will find it
difficult. Some will find it impossible! Nobody knows
better than I do how frustrating a woman can be as they get
older. However, guys, even if you just use a little more
tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this
article, I will consider that writing this it was well
worthwhile. (actually, I want to give credit to Peggy
for typing this – my fingers do get tired!)
After all, we are put on this earth to help each other.
Signed,
Jim
