Why my husband took the cold shower

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Every morning, my husband took the cold shower. 

At my house, we keep the water heater set low to conserve energy. Most of the time, the water’s plenty hot enough for washing dishes and clothes, and for taking showers. There’s one exception, however—the first shower of the day. 

It probably has something to do with the water sitting unused in the tank all night, but what comes through the pipes for the first shower of the day is always significantly cooler. I never realized this until my husband was injured on the job and at home for an extensive rehabilitation period. Ordinarily he’d be in the shower and out the door before six in the morning, but during this time of recuperation, he slept later. 

That meant I took the first shower of the day. 

And it wasn’t the steamy, comforting, therapeutic bask in warmth I’d come to expect. While not frigid, the lower temperature certainly didn’t invite a long, lingering soak. It was business in, business out. 

For 20 years, I’ve never realized the gift my husband has given me every morning. It made me realize other things I’ve been taking for granted:

That he always comes running when I yell, “BUG!” 

That he pumps gas when we’re riding together. 

That he helps me put the sheets on our waterbed, because I can never get the corners tucked in well enough. 

That he gives me the olives from his salad, not because he doesn’t like them, but because he knows I like them more. 

That he takes the driver’s seat on long trips, even though he drives every day with his job. 

These small gestures are how my husband demonstrates his love for me. And like his cold showers, oftentimes I’m not even aware of them. 

Making my list reminded me of all that I have to be thankful for. 

What kind gestures does your husband do for you? I’d love to hear about them. Leave a comment in the box below and join the conversation. 

And this discussion’s not limited to married women. Every day, others demonstrate their care for us through simple acts. Please chime in with your examples from coworkers, friends, and neighbors. And then purposely say “thank you,” the very next chance you get. 

If you’re reading this by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God and leave a comment at the bottom of the post. 

 If you liked this post, you might enjoy "You is Kind. You is Smart. You is Important."

If you live in the Columbia, SC area, please plan to join me and the lovely ladies of Spring Valley Baptist Church on Thursday, April 18, for Dinner in the Valley. I'll be sharing a presentation called "Everyone Has a Story; What's Yours?" based on my work as editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine. Tickets are $12, include a delicious meal, and can be obtained by calling 736-0624 or online at www.springvalleybaptist.com.

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