Our vacation this month has been mostly about resting: limited activities, going at our own pace, doing nothing and doing whatever we want, watching movies and old sitcoms, walks, enjoying the beauty of the lake, reading, spending time together….RESTING!
Yesterday was my love gift to my bride. We spent the day at the Tanger Outlets in Sevierville, Tn. It has more than 100 stores, paradise to many women. Hell on earth to many men.
I’ll be honest – I did do some shopping. I spent about $60 – two shirts and a few small items for the kitchen. I admit it – I like to cook.
Mostly I walked. I walked the length of the entire place. I figured if I was going to spend the day here, I may as well get some exercise. While walking I noticed a few things.
For instance, there were a lot of benches. Almost every bench was occupied – by men. On one bench sat a young boy who looked like he had been tortured. Men from all around the country were getting to know one another as they sat and waited.
I also noticed packs of women excitedly rushing from store to store. I overheard comments like: “Let’s go in here,” “Oh, this is a great store,” They’ve got some good deals.” I never heard a single man say anything like that.
Young men, old men, men of all ages – men on vacation – like me – there because they love their wife and family.
There are many keys to a successful marriage. One of them is doing some things the other one enjoys – without complaining. Even join in the fun – as much as you can. Monieca really wanted a purse, but was hesitant to buy it. We bought it. Her smile was my reward.
Marriages that last a life time are constantly adjusting to new realities but one reality that is constant is the need to bend and compromise and do some things the other one really wants to do – even if it means spending a day in the average man’s version of hell.
Pastor Steve Hogg
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