Married Versus Unmarried Man

I have always been grateful for my husband, well most always. I have repented for the times I have not. Due to the times that we have been apart for work or medical, I am grateful that I am not a single parent and have increased respect for those that are.

Monday morning, I was awakened with a new appreciation for him and the burden he carries as my husband and the father of our children. In case you have not known me long, I confess that I can be slow sometimes.

I had often heard the concerns of Paul in 1 Corinthians 7 of a married man versus an unmarried one. In verse 32, the unmarried man is able to be free of concern and rather able to focus on things Above. On the other hand, the married man in verse 33 is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife (and subsequently his children). I have struggled in the past over and yet found comfort in verse 34 as a wife and mother. While I have wanted to be busy about the Work, my husband and children are my work.

As I thought over those verses again, I was impressed even more as to what those verses mean. Not only does my husband not get to be doing the Work with abandon. Not only does he have to be worried about how to please me. :) He also must be concerned about my safety and that of our children.

When we first returned back in September, I struggled through October adjusting to life here, the heat, and the responsibilities of home school. It was a challenge for my post cancer body. Rich would be hesitant to go to the village or be anxious to return. I tried to tell him numerous times to not worry about me, because we needed to be about the Work that we are here to do. Looking again at these verses, it was not for me to tell him about what he should or should not be worried.  His interests were naturally going to be divided.

Once again, this week those verses came alive, new and afresh. Then this morning, as we met together with others, the leader taught from Acts 16:22-40. The teacher was pointing out how Paul and Silas responded to difficult times. Despite being imprisoned, they responded with prayer and singing of praises, and people were drawn to the Truth.

While it was not the focus of the teaching, I noticed there was no wife or children in the situation for Paul and Silas to be concerned. They were able to be fully dedicated to the Work. We know Jesus too was single. As far as we know, the other disciples were all single when they were called to follow Him.

Yes, being married, a man's interests are divided. The weight he carries on his shoulders though, being responsible for wife and children is great. Thankful for my husband once again and the load he carries on our behalf. I felt impressed too to reiterate to our son of the load he takes on in the event that he does get married one day, a commitment and responsibility not to be taken lightly.

Thank you, love, for how you care and provide for us!