I have a hard time saying "Yes." "Yes, hon, let's go see that movie we've both been eyeing." "Yes, let's splurge on a steak for dinner this weekend." "Yes, let's skip class and sleep in and...ahem...spend some time together this morning." "Yes, let's go stay in a hotel this weekend."
Actually, I have said "Yes" to all these statements at least once before, but it's always a struggle. Usually I don't want to spend the extra money. We can eat what's in the house! We can watch a movie on Netflix! We can just stay home and relax this weekend! I really should go to class today!
But you know what? I never once have regretted saying Yes. It's always worth it. We do something fun, together, special, and it's always a blessing.
Take this weekend, for example. We've been talking for a while about spending a night at a local hotel--nothing fancy, just to get away--and I'd been balking about it. "We really don't need to spend the extra money. We can just stay home and have a quiet weekend." Well, my husband knows me. He knows that if I stay home, I'll be constantly thinking about--and trying to get done--all the things around the house that I KNOW need doing. Like cleaning the bathroom, scrubbing the kitchen floor...you get the idea. He also knew that if he kept asking, I would just keep saying no, and he also knows me well enough to know that I'd really love a weekend away... I'm just too frugal (read: cheap) to say so.
Friday afternoon he picked me up from work and announced, "I've booked a room for tomorrow night." I gave him the look. The one that says, "You stinker. I could say a lot of things but at the same time I can't." And I didn't say no. I'm so glad I didn't.
It was a great weekend. We took advantage of the hotel's pool...along with half-a-dozen toddlers and small children and their parents...we watched cable TV...we both took long, hot showers...we napped...we enjoyed the "free" breakfast...we brought our own supper and DVD because the room had a mini-fridge, microwave, and DVD player... it. was. awesome.
I'm so glad I said "YES." (or at least, didn't say no!)
Maybe I'll start saying "yes" more often.
What about you? When have you said "YES" in your marriage (other than when you accepted the proposal!)?
Linking with: Exceptionalistic, What Joy is Mine, The Modest Mom, The Better Mom, The Alabaster Jar, Yes They're All Ours
A love reading your posts because they are full of wisdom and makes one think what life is all about.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Thank you for saying that, Yvonne. All glory to God!
DeleteSometimes saying yes allows you to have wonderful new experiences!
ReplyDeleteSo true! I have definitely experienced that.
DeleteSome of the best "YES"s have been for travel. I was always dragging my feet because I never wanted to spend the money. It has not only been great for our marriage but also our family to travel together. Visiting you from What Joy is Mine.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thelostapron.com/2013/04/praying-for-others.html
I hope that my husband and I have lots of travel opportunities in our marriage. I love going on road trips together!
DeleteSomeone has to be the one to say no, that's the balance. A young friend the other day said to my husband when talking about her money problems. (First you need to know she makes far more then the average person her age, wants for nothing, buys everthing in site, and is terrible manager of her money). She said she thinks spending money is easier when you've got no one to tell you not to. At the rate she's going she's never going to be able to buy the things that matter or assure herself of a decent life style. She rents so money wasted, she leases a car...again money wasted. Both items you just keep paying, she needs someone to say no. Hubby and I have taken turns being the one who throws caution to the wind and who shows keeps a level head on our shoulders.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed yourself, but staying in town in a hotel vs my own comfy bed wouldn't do it for me. We're all different I guess. I'd rather save and actually go somewhere.
A-Zchallenge
My hubby's a spender and I'm a saver, and we're getting pretty good at compromise. :) I'm the one who'd like to save up for a big trip, but we're doing that too, and the little trip nearby was SO worth it. :)
DeleteI love this. I think it's important to throw caution to the wind and just be together. Sure, not all the time but definitely once in a while. Beautiful words here Jaimie!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree-not all the time, but definitely once in a while! Thank you, Kelly!! :)
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