As a Christ-follower, I am often exhorted to love strangers like family, but I say that sometimes we also need to love our family like strangers. I am gently reminded of this truth each time my husband comes home after I’ve hosted a luncheon or shower. Whether or not he knew I was having guests that day, he knew I’d had guests that day. Know what I mean?  The carpets are vacuumed, the wood floors are swept, the surfaces are clutter free and de-sticky-fied, the bathrooms are shiny, the kids’ beds are made, the fridge is stocked.

We go to pretty great lengths when people–be they friends or strangers–come to our homes. We prepare.

And I’m not suggesting we keep our houses show ready for whenever hubs walks in the door, but wouldn’t it be really special, wouldn’t it be just a small slice of amazing if we really actually intentionally prepared for his arrival as if he were a guest? Maybe a special dessert just because? Maybe–ahem–clear all the craft and sewing stuff off the dining table and serve dinner in the dining room using your fancy china once in a while? Maybe have the kids clear the toy explosion from the family room? Maybe actually get the dishes out of the sink and into the dishwasher?

We’re not talking about having his pipe and slippers ready for him when he walks through the door (although, if that ministers to him, why not?!), but just loving him. Intentionally. In small ways. Every day.

I want to do what I can to help my husband experience this verse as truth: “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22).

So how do you treat your husband like a stranger {and love him}?

[image by Stephen Wildish]