Intentional Parenting- Being his Bride

I woke up this morning feeling awful. Actually I woke up last night feeling awful. Joints hurting, arm asleep, knees aching, all around struggling to get comfortable. I rolled out of bed- like literally, rolled out of bed-and slowly crept my way into our bathroom. I dug around for Advil, swallowed two, inched my way back to our bed, rubbed Deep Blue on my feet and elbow, and attempted to find sleep. That's a long explanation of how my night went. Guess what! Morning wasn't any better. I crawled up on the couch, coffee in hand and waited for my body to decide it was ready for the day. It was not a pretty beginning and I can say, I did NOT look that lovely either.
What does all this have to do with "Being his Bride"? SOOO much.
After a few hours of feeling like a truck rolled over me, I was strong enough to get going. Crazy energetic? No. However! I knew I looked like Harriet House Hag, as I lovingly call her. So while my man went on a mountain bike ride, I washed my hair, put on some make-up and sprayed on some of his favorite perfume. I am still in my way comfy clothes, but the rest of me is saying "Hey Baby, you matter."
Being his bride starts when you're dating your man. Staying his bride doesn't end after years of marriage or little ones runnin' around. Actually it's even more important than ever. I remember  having Littles under feet and watching the clock. As it approached time for him to roll home, I kicked it into high gear. I tried my darnedest to look nice for him. I may have been a wreck all day but you bet I strived to welcome each day the man I chose the best way I could. He already knew my days were full. I didn't need to "look the part" for him to know that. Guess what ladies? So are his! And many times he is around women all day that look good. When that Ah-Ha hit me, I knew what to do. So for years, as often as I possibly can, I treat him to a bride that cares as much now about how I look for him as I did when we were dating.  I do not get all fancied out each day, in case you're wondering. That's not my style. It might be sweats and a t-shirt, but there will be a little makeup on, hair styled and a warm hello when he walks in the door. And definitely a kiss. 💕
I love my husband. And I love being his bride. Why not let him know it?