The Difference a Vowel Makes

A. E. I. O. U. Simple little letters that make such a difference in the meaning of a word. I've been thinking lately about the words "pray" and "prey" and the difference they can mean in our relationships. One tiny letter squeezed between those other consonants can change everything.

Are you actively praying for your spouse? Or are you preying on his insecurities? My hope is that when my husband confides in me, whether it be an insecurity, a fear, a joy, a dream, a goal, or a worry, my hope is that I am praying for him. I absolutely know I fail at this. I know that I sometimes get wrapped up in my own "stuff" that I fail to pray for him and for his "stuff".... I know that I oftentimes put my own "stuff" before his, and for that I feel terrible. If I am to be the wife that I'm called to be, I should be my husband's biggest cheerleader (minus the short skirt, of course!) and his biggest supporter. No matter the insecurity, no matter how crazy the dream, no matter how small or how large the goal...my husband should feel confident knowing that I believe in him and I will be right there with him supporting and encouraging him. He should know that I'm battling any insecurity or fear that he has alongside him. Can I honestly and whole-heatedly say that this is true of my relationship? Probably not. 

More than that though, I hope that I'm not preying on my husband's insecurities. I hope that I'm not using his words against him. I hope that I'm not throwing things in his face that he has told me in confidence. When he decides to create a silly-to-me obstacle course in our woods, I hope that I show him support and enthusiasm rather than appear board and disinterested. I don't have to love what he's doing and I don't have to fake an interest, but I should at least respect his projects and acknowledge the hard work that he's putting into his hobbies! Again, I know I am far from perfect. I know I have so much to learn. But I hope my husband feels comfortable enough to share things with me and to know that I won't prey on these things during a heated argument. 

Being married is tough work. It's crazy to think that living everyday with your handsome prince could be so difficult, but it is sometimes. But though it all, we are called to love our spouse like Christ loved the church and show grace like we've been shown. Are you praying for your spouse or are you preying on him?