Muddy Boots and A Happy Marriage

Shortly after I got married, my grandparents came out to see our new place. We were excited newly weds, in our first home together. I had everything perfectly organized, every item in place and the house spotless to show it off to them. My husband came stomping in from outside, muddy boots and all, and (shockingly!), didn't even take them off. 😧 I couldn't believe how inconsiderate he was! I had just spent all this time getting the house ready! Didn't he ever think about my feelings?! I was so angry with him. I chastised him (in front of my grandparents). I asked him if he was raised in a barn and if he didn't know better than to wear his muddy boots on a clean floor! Sheepishly, he took them off and cleaned up his mess. I felt satisfied, sure he had learned a lesson.
Later that day, my grandma said to me, "You know, you sure married a good man. He is honest, hard working, and patient."
I beamed with pride and love for this man, glad he earned the acceptance of someone so important in my life. I felt smart and sure it was all me, I chose him, it was my doing.
Then she said "A man like him will put up with a lot of crap from the people he loves. But he shouldn't have to."
I turned red as she said this, suddenly realizing my fault in yelling at him earlier. I hadn't taught him anything. I had only been cruel to the sweetest man I know. I realized that messes can be easily cleaned up, but me badgering him about every little thing was only poisoning our relationship.
Since then, when my temper and my OCD and need for a clean house get in my way, I have taken up the mantra, "Would you rather have a clean house or a happy marriage?" Sure, I keep the house tidy. But I've realized that when my man walks through the door after a long day, he doesn't need someone telling him how he's messing up or what he's doing wrong. He needs two loving arms and a hot meal. He needs listening ears and a patient, understanding heart that's always on his side. He needs a partner, not a helpmate. I married my husband for the man he is, muddy boots and all. Without the mud, what would be left for me to clean up?

The World Has Lost Its Marbles

When I was a little girl, I remember my Grandma preaching to me about the last days. I remember her saying how the world would go crazy and truth and lies would be misconstrued. There would be no black and white, everything would be in this gray area so we would no longer know right from wrong. I just thought to myself, "How could something as solid, obvious, and just downright factual as truth not be believed? How could anyone switch truth and lies around that much?" That was 15 years ago, and now here we are. The world has lost its marbles.
It started off small. Common sense became less common, truth and lies became a matter of opinion, humans started caring more about animals than other humans, and they pushed their liberal agendas on the rest of us who rolled our eyes and continued to provide for ourselves. Now this country is split right in two. If the leftists believed in guns, we would probably have a civil war on our hands.
I can't believe all the hate I see. I can't believe people would rather save a rare species of frog than our most innocent members of the populous.
People who are candid and honest are called racist, sexist, close minded, hateful...among other things. Some are so confused that they think gender is optional. As if you weren't born with either male or female genitalia. They argue that they have a right over their own bodies so they should be able to kill their unborn child. What? I'm sorry, but you aren't taking control over your body. You are simply ending the life of another person who was ultimately created by consequence of your decisions!
Kids are being raised to be entitled brats. Spanking is child abuse. Everyone shames everyone else for every. Single. Life. Choice. As if it was ANY of their business.
It is so scary to be a parent right now. Not because I'm afraid of how my kids will turn out in this crazy world, but because I'm afraid I will get in trouble for..I don't know..letting my kid play outside alone. Or ride his pony in bare feet. Or skinny dip in the pond. The world has really come to this. A parent can get in real trouble for raising their own children how they see fit.
I know my babies will grow up okay. They will have roots. They will be surrounded by people that love them. They will be taught common sense and decency. They will have respect for others and a love for God. Being raised on a ranch in tune with nature makes the biggest difference. You can't see, know, love, and be a part of the majesty of God's creations without believing in Him.
My only hope and my only anchor in all of this is my love for and my trust in God. As long as I can keep my family rooted and praying for this crazy world, I know we will be okay. My Savior is my best friend and I can always feel His presence in my life. He guides me and my family. He comforts us. He keeps us spiritually grounded and safe. It's the only way to stay afloat in this world. 🙏
-Rambling thoughts of a Cowboy's Wife