Only a Woman....

After recently being sick, I have made two observations that should help us on those days we are feeling like we always fall short:1.     Women Have Super Sonic EarsThe stomach bug is going around Memphis. I hope that you stay clear, if it has not gotten you already. Thursday night I got in bed after a full day and could not seem to fall asleep.  After tossing and turning for several hours, I realized that my stomach was not too happy. I made a mad dash to the bathroom. When the immediate crisis had passed, I made my way out of the bedroom and spent the remainder of the night on the couch making periodic runs to the bathroom. In the morning, Chris awoke oblivious to any of the night’s activities. I was happy that I had not interrupted his sleep, but it made me laugh. I think I would know within 30 seconds if any family member were throwing up anywhere in the house, any time of day or night. Of all the stomach bugs that have gone through our home in the last 18 years, I have not slept through one of them. I am pretty sure the Lord put something special in us to be attentive to those in need.2.     Women will Go to Any Lengths to Spare Those They LoveGratefully, we are not called to be the protectors in our homes. Our husbands are the leaders and protectors of our families. I am sure single moms must get so frustrated with the married woman who grumbles about her husband’s leadership. If you are married, be grateful that the full weight of leading a family does not rest squarely on your shoulders. We might play tough, but when push comes to shove we really do want to be protected.Moving beyond the literal, however, I was considering in my stomach bug stupor how women are wired different than men. Less than 24 hours after losing everything in my abdomen and without enough strength to go to the mailbox and back, I was armed with Lysol and Clorox. I cleaned every square inch of our bedroom, bathroom, bed linens, and any other place I had walked. I could not keep food down, but I was doing what any other woman would do- making sure I did my part to purge the house of any germs so no one else would have to fall to the invisible stomach bug. Chris is an incredibly selfless guy and would do almost anything for me, but it would never even cross his radar screen to get up and clean after himself while he was still recovering…. only a woman.We give ourselves enough grief that maybe it would be good to just celebrate the unique qualities that we have. We will never get it all right, but the next time you are caring for a sick child or spouse or cleaning up after them, remember that type of TLC (tender loving care) is what this world needs!