Do you know what I've learned about my husband over the past twenty-one years of marriage?

He wants to be my hero.

Now, we all know that the over romanticized notions of the perfect husband or wife who always knows exactly what their spouse needs is a myth. However, there is one thing about men that pretty much operates as a rule.

They like to fix stuff. It's pretty much an innate part of their character.

If an appliance is broken they'll try to repair it. If we are in a bad mood they will try to make our situation better by cheering us up (or staying out of our way). Our husbands will even open the door for us if we'll be patient enough to wait for them.

Obviously this may not be the case with every husband, but it certainly is the case with mine. When I stop trying to take charge of a situation and allow him to lead, my husband will unconsciously move into that position because that is how God created him. He is meant to be a leader, provider, and defender in our relationship.

I'll never forget the time about a year ago when one of my kids was being rather rude to me as only a teenager can be. Suddenly, out of nowhere my husband appeared. He didn't lose his temper or yell but he made sure our daughter understood in no uncertain terms that he would not allow her to speak to me in that manner. What was really interesting was a short time later our other daughter came to me and said, "You know, when Daddy defended you like that ... it was really romantic!" I was surprised by her reaction but when I stopped to think about it, yes it was. My husband was making sure I was treated with respect. He was taking care of me.

We currently live in a society that undervalues men and the traditional role they play as husbands, fathers, providers, or protectors of the home. This is, however, who they are at their core and if we as their wives will step back and give our husbands the chance to fulfill this role in our marriages, I think perhaps we'll see a difference not only in how men perceive themselves but in how they treat their wives in general.

Copyright © by Kristine McGuire Share