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Girl Meets God

    by Melissa Mathews

Kiss Me
Date Posted: February 4, 2007

An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
Proverbs 24:26

I'm not a liar. I never have been, and I never will be. But sometimes, my husband accuses me of it.

Well, not really. But, he does accuse me of leaving out vital information. I'm sure you've heard it too.

"I asked you to pick up the boys after school."
"You never said that!"
"I asked you to call Myrna!"
"You never said that!"
"I told you I had plans that night!"
"You never said that!"

One Saturday at about 4:00 o'clock, I decided to run to Wal-Mart for a couple of things.

"I'll be back in a few minutes, Scott."

But I had forgotten that there is no such thing as a fast trip to Wal-Mart. The mere size of the store makes a toilet paper run a 45-minute project. And of course, I passed about 39 things I remembered that I needed. At about 5:45, I was finally checking out. On my way home I thought "If I stop at the grocery store really fast, I could be set for the week."

At 7:00 o'clock, I had gathered the 4, I mean 14, things that I didn't need.. I mean, that I did need from the grocery store.

I walked in my house at 7:03, a short three hours later, thrilled that I wouldn't have to shop at all for the rest of the week. I was prepared for a celebration hug as Scott greeted me at the door.

He didn't give me the salutation I had expected.
"You told me that you would be back in just a minute!" He wasn't happy—at all.
Ugh, I had said a few minutes, hadn't I? Even as the words had come out of my mouth, I knew that I might have exaggerated just a bit.

And I probably hadn't asked him to pick up the boys after school, either. I bet I said, "Will you be around at 1:56, because I have a meeting," hoping he would infer what I meant. And maybe I only thought to myself, "I need to tell Scott that I have my monthly Pastor's Wives' meeting that night."

It's a lesson I'm still learning. When it's time to communicate to my husband, I need to speak clearly and honestly. Don't tell him what he wants to hear: "Dinner will be ready in a minute." Don't tell him what you wish were true: "I think we have enough money to cover vacation." Don't speak in riddles that he has to solve: "I'm going to be gone tonight. I've compared long distance services today, and MCI has the best deal." (So be ready to switch tonight when the telemarketer calls.)

Proverbs 24:26 says "An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips." Maybe if I were a little more honest a little more often, I might get a few more kisses at the door.

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

Perilous Times

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Biography Information:
I'm a preacher's kid, pastor's wife, and southern belle who married a Southern California boy. Can you say 'culture clash?' Scott and I have four boys - Max, Mark, Jackson, and Grant who keep us busy with homework and sports.

Scott and I have been married 22 years and currently live in Northern California where we are beginning year five as church planters. I also teach 12th grade English and love it.

I would love to hear from you. Email me anytime at melissa.g.mathews@gmail.com
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