Wife = Cheerleader!

I  began dating Jason at the same time he started medical school. We were married two years later. With him being in school or in residency (a three year intense training) during our first several years together I was quickly thrust into being his cheerleader. It was a role of the utmost importance. I would decorate the door to his apartment on the days he had big projects due, I would help him review for his tests, and listen to his as he prepared for presentations. I would continually cheer him on, continually tell him he could do it, and I would even set aside certain days to privately fast for him. His schooling and training were rough on him and I did my best to help him out. I was his own personal cheerleader.

My husband completed all of his training about three years ago and recently I was reflecting on how much time and energy I used to spend encouraging him and asking others to encourage him as well. I am ashamed to admit, but over the past few years I have not cheered for him quite like I used to. While I do thank him for providing for us, leading us, and being an incredible husband and father - I think that is very different than being his own personal cheerleader.

My excuse is that I'm in a very different phase of life. I am stay at home mother to three children ages three, two, and 10 months. So I don't have a moment to go to the bathroom more or less decorate the house or drive to Jason's work and leave him notes in his car. Yet, it took about two minutes for me to realize that is just an excuse. I can let our family be the reason I don't cheer for Jason or I can use it as my motivation to cheer for him all the more. I want my children to see me not just loving their father, but celebrating him. I want to teach my children, through my example, to get excited every time he walks through the door.

Cheering goes far beyond speaking highly of my husband and thanking him for what he does. It is a full blown pep rally for the man he is and the job he is doing (outside and inside the home). Some days that will involve streamers and party hats (literally) and other days it will be a listening ear coupled with an understanding word. Some days will be days I privately fast for him while other days I might ask the kids to lay hands on him with me as I pray over him.  Every day will be a day for me to tell the children, our family, and our friends what an amazing man, husband, father, and employee he is. It will require lots of prayer as I ask God to help me to go beyond encouraging my husband and allow Him to mold me into the most enthusiastic, effervescent, and elated wife cheerleader the world has ever seen!

How do you cheer for your husband?