“It is not good for man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18 NIV).
The original meaning of the word helper in the Bible is azar, which means ally. As spouses, we are to be each other’s ally. This means in everything! When I first married my husband, I did not understand the financial business world in which he lived. If I am honest, it did not interest me a great deal. Yet, I knew when I married him, we were to become allies.This did not mean in just areas in which I had an interest, it meant in all areas. How can I be an ally, though, if I have zero knowledge?
When it came to his career, I needed to develop a basic understanding so I could effectively be his partner not just at home, but also at work. How did I do this? When we would attend business events, I did not sit there like a bump on a log, I would participate in the conversation. When I did not always understand, I would deploy my active listening skills. When we returned home, if there were discussions at dinner I did not grasp, I would ask him to explain. Over time, I developed a basic understanding of his 9-5 world, which made me a more effective partner in my marriage. As my knowledge grew, my interest grew as well.
Whether we enjoy all aspects of our spouse’s life or not, we do need to step up our game and become active participants. I vowed to be his partner in all life, which often means taking an interest and learning about things that matter to him, regardless of what I think. Afterall, if it matters to him, I want it to matter to me. That’s what best friends do!
Together with you,
Lisa Lou