Last Updated on March 21, 2018
The other night we managed to get both kids to bed early. I couldn’t believe it! We would actually have time to watch a video in its entirety.
I skipped down the stairs and planted myself on the couch just as my husband turned on a football game. What? I smiled and said, “So, what would you like to do tonight?”
He shrugged, eyes focused on the game. “I don’t care.”
A flash of anger heated my stomach. I got up to get a drink of water and muttered, “Well, I don’t want to watch football.” The game stayed on. My irritation heated up. I picked up a novel, but didn’t pay much attention to it.
In the quietness of my spirit, I heard a calm, rational voice. Maybe you should talk to him. Maybe he didn’t hear you mumble under your breath that you didn’t want to watch football. Maybe he has no idea that you wanted to watch a movie since he can’t read your mind.
Like the mature person I am, I ignored those thoughts and announced I was going to bed. My bewildered husband blinked. “Have I done something to upset you?”
I wanted to scream, “Duh!” Fortunately, at this point I decided to listen to that little voice in my head. Still whiny and a bit irritated, I explained my situation.
His shoulders slumped. “Why didn’t you say something earlier? I didn’t hear you. I would have loved to have watched that movie tonight.”
By the time we resolved the issue, we had no time left for the video. If I had just swallowed my pride and acted like a big girl, we could have gotten over the whole thing in a few minutes, enjoyed the movie, and had a great evening. What a waste. So, what did I learn? My husband needs me to communicate with him in a clear and effective manner. And he really can’t read minds—which happens to be a good thing.
Jennifer Dyer has an M.S. in Communications Disorders, which served her well in her professional career as a speech-language pathologist. Never did she imagine that her education and career were God’s way of preparing her to be a mom to her own daughter with autism. Today, she enjoys reaching out to other families who face similar diagnoses. As a cancer survivor, carpet-cleaning veteran, and originator of the “Messy House Ministry,” Jennifer feels blessed to share joy, peace, and humor with others facing life’s challenges. She is mom to two beautiful daughters and is thankful to be raising them, serving other families with unique needs, and using her gift of writing and speaking to minister to others. Jennifer is also the author of a youth fiction book series and is trusting God with His timing on publication. Jennifer has been a mom for 11 years. She and Brandon have been married for 13 years.
Great idea! Now, how do I keep my hubby from reading the momblog for a while…
Julia,
Thanks! My hubby has taken a lot of flack for his lack of mind reading skills as of late… 🙂
Jennifer Dyer