Bad Breath: A Simple Gift Simply Returned
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
There is no Scripture verse that reads, “Fret not thyself because of morning breath; thy husband knoweth and doth also have it.” Too bad.
For at least a month after our wedding, in the thrills of a brand new marriage, I would rouse in the wee hours to sneak into the bathroom, brush my teeth, then slip back into bed for a bit more sleep. After a few weeks, though, I ceased to wake up and the secret was out. My handsome husband learned a hard truth: I was not perfectly pretty all the time; I had flaws, many much worse than bad breath.
Of course he knew this, and neither minded nor nagged, even in response to my more regrettable traits. What a gift to me, and so simply returned: choosing to overlook annoyances and celebrate gifts for the good of the relationship. Everyone benefits, certainly the cherished wife, but also the appreciated husband, and any treasured children.
I am insanely forgetful: from keys (irritating) to jewelry (hurtful) to bills (serious). This must exasperate my former Marine husband with his perfectly ordered mind and his perfectly ordered possessions (until I get hold of them), but he has never lost his temper with me; in fact, he often comforts me while I weep over some lost article or forgotten appointment.
So I think twice about re-opening the door to holler Stop slamming the door! ~ which he does every. blessed. time. Maybe he knows how sacrificial and wonderful I’m being; maybe he’s blissfully unaware. I imagine that for every time I know he overlooks rather than nags, there are other occasions that I don’t know about (or forgot). I will not nag over faults. It’s a win-win situation as I bless the person I love most and become a kinder person myself.
Gracious God, may I remember each day to smile at my husband’s talents and bear with his troubles, as he does with mine, and as You do with us all. Grant this, I ask, through Christ the Lord. Amen.
