Multitasking My Marriage
By Lisa Lakey
I’m a fantastic multitasker.
Seriously. As I write this, I am also feeding the dog, meal-prepping for the week, paying bills, and knitting scarves for children in Antarctica. Or I’m Netflixing. Yeah, that’s probably it.
So maybe I’m not that extreme. But I do tend to try to knock out two or three things at a time. Hey, a working mom only has so many hours in the day, right?
So if I don’t watch myself, I’ll be replying to work emails after the kids are home. Or I’ll be mapping out the following day when my husband is telling me something.
But I hate when it’s done to me.
Like when my husband is playing on his phone when I try to talk to him. I feel indignant self-righteousness flare inside of me.
But less than five minutes later, I’m checking the kids’ homework while absently nodding along to a story about the guys at my husband’s work.
Jesus had something to say about issues like this.
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? … You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye” (Matthew 7:3-5).
Ouch.
Maybe a fantastic multitasker is not what my husband needs in a wife. Maybe a fantastic listener would serve him better.
Now excuse me. I have something in my eye.
The Good Stuff: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Action Points: Multitasking may seem like wise stewardship of your time, but focusing on your spouse may be better. Today, pray to have better focus for others. Then set aside some time (and distractions) to really give your full attention to your better half.
Visit the FamilyLife® Website