If I was given the choice between going to the Lowes and the mall, Lowes would win hands down nearly every time. Our family likes to go just because. The boys head for the lumber and hardware departments. My daughter and I head for decorations and home improvements. One particular day after looking at lighting we started hunting my husband and boys. We saw them, as we rounded a corner, at the end of an isle. It was then that I was approached by a woman saying, “Excuse me, Is that your husband?” I looked over to where this woman was pointing. There was my husband talking to my oldest son. He was listening intently as his father was teaching him the difference between certain types of nails. My youngest son, at his daddy’s feet, was looking up at his father and brother wishing for the day he could be big and strong like them. I said to this lady, “Yes, that is my husband,” wondering why the inquisition. She was an employee at Lowes and proceeded to tell me the story of her pushing a heavy washer down the isle. My husband, seeing her stuggle, asked her if he could help. Astonished she replied, “No sir, I work here. It’s my job.” “Well,” he said, “if my wife was having to move that washer I would hope someone would offer to help her.” This lady with a voice of gratitude said to me, “I just want you to know how much that meant to me. You have a fine husband.”

I’ve thought about that day often. Not because it was a rare occasion for my husband to show honor because he often does. But that day I realized, for perhaps the first time, how few women see it. When women do see men being chivalrous they almost do not know how to take it. When my boys were little their dad taught them to honor women and the elderly by holding open doors. Not too long ago my oldest son opened the door for me at a store and two young men stepped in front of me and went through the door. My son just shook his head at their rudeness. The shame in it all is that those young men probably did not have a man in their life to teach them manners. And they, as well, will proabably not teach their children either.

Those who know me know that I am not physically weak. I could, and have many times, moved a heavy appliance. But, the point my husband was trying to make is that a wife (and women in general) should be showed honor as the weaker (more precious) vessel. (I Peter 3:7) My husband does this in many ways. One way he does this is by never having me pump gas. I’ve pumped gas a thousand times in the past but for the past 4 or 5 years he always does it. If I am going on a field trip with my children the next day and the gas tank is low he will drive to town and get gas that evening. I’ve never asked him to do it; it’s just a way he shows honor. There are lots of ways a husband can honor his wife. I believe one of the greatest ways and probably the most effective way is by not expecting her to take on man’s curse given to Adam; the woman has her own.

It’s really sad when Christian men have their prayers hindered because they simply do not show honor to their wife? Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. (1Pe 3:7) I pray we can teach our sons and change one family at a time.