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to some understanding of what causes such behaviour. As he draws close to the Lord I am sure that God will enable him to be the husband he should be. Naturally, you have a responsibility too. By developing spiritually through reading His Word and praying I am sure that God will give you extra strength and patience and that you will become more attractive in your home. ARE SPORTS NECESSARY FOR GROWING BOYS? Q. Is it necessary for a 12-year-old boy to be accepted in athletic activi ties? M y boy’s interest seems to be in the field of electronics. A. Skill in athletics and various games is highly important to boys in the Am erican culture. Many boys suffer throughout life because they feel that they cannot compete with others. I think it is very important for parents and teachers to help children develop skills in playing games and entering into various athletic activities. It gives a person confidence and poise and also helps to develop one’s body. However, we all have defferent in terests and abilities and it may be that your son’s activities in electron ics are giving him as much satisfac tion as participation in athletics. You should examine his motives. Why is he so interested in electron ics? Is it because he has never de veloped skills for games and athletics or is it because he does have a genu ine fascination for it? Is he spending much time in electronics to dodge the world or is his interest in the field wholesome and natural? If I were you, I would make sure that if he contin ues in electronics, he is involved with other children. Mixing with other boys and girls is one of the most im portant aspects of his life just now. THE KING'S BUSINESS
What I want to know is, is it so terribly wrong for me to want to be treated like a woman and a w ife and not just a handy gadget around the house? A. As people read your letter, I am sure that some will identify with your problem. There are many families, even Christians, in which the husband is immature and thoughtless. Since you have three children all under six years of age, as well as two who are older, undoubtedly you have more work than you can possibly do. This in itself is a big problem even if you had an understanding, helpful husband. But added to this problem is a husband who according to your let ter is still acting like a child. You say that in church he expects you to do all of the disciplining. This, of course, is not possible. One of the major responsibilities of a Chris tian husband is to help with the con trol and discipline of the children. Another of his major responsibilities is to encourage his wife in all that she does. A woman always appreciates a helpful hand around the house, but something she appreciates even more is a husband who understands all that she is going through and who encourages her. Evidently, your hus band has neither one of these char acteristics. One of the greatest values in con sidering a letter like yours is sharing it with young people who have not yet married. If such young people can understand, before they make their trip to the altar, that each has a responsibility to help the other, I am sure many of our families would be much happier. I trust that your husband will read this page and will see the importance of working in a different way in his home. I trust, also, that he will come
THOUGHTLESS HUSBAND Q. I have quite a problem on which I would like your opinion. 1 am a Christian and so is my husband. I have three little boys under six years old and two step-children aged 10 to 17. I stay pretty busy with cooking, cleaning, and caring for three small children. Sometimes there do not seem to be enough hours in the day. A kind word would work wonders, but instead, my husband tells me that I’m acting childish. He newer gives me any help, even when he is not working. He does not feel that it is his place to help out, even with a few little odd jobs around the house. Although my step-son is 17, he does not do any work either; he does not even take care of his room. If I try to get him to do a reasonable amount of work, we usually end up in an argument, and then my husband tells me I am acting like a child by argu ing with him. In church, he expects me to keep the small, ones in line all by myself. Sometimes after wrestling with the two smallest ones during the worship service, I am as worn out as though I’d had a hard day’s work and can’t even recall what the pastor’s text was. Our personal life is really the great est problem. Sometimes I get so hun gry for a little affection. I am truly thankful that 1 know the Lord or else I might look elsewhere for it. Some times I get so lonely I can hardly stand it even with my large family. I don’t know what I would do with out my Saviour. If only my husband would just tell me once in a while that he loves me or show a bit of appreciation when I have cooked something special for him or give me a little compliment when I try to look especially nice! He is a good man in every other way and a wonderful provider for his family.
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