Be the wife of his youth

There comes a point in time nearly every married man's life when he realizes that he didn't marry his girlfriend ... he married his wife.

Now this isn't to say that these are two different people. No, they are one in the same. But for a wife the stakes in life are higher and there are a great deal of expectations that go along with the new path that both are about to embark on.

The girlfriend remains that optimistic female, full of youth and vigor, not yet scarred by the ups and downs of the relationship or difficulties that life has thrown in the couple's way.

The girlfriend is chaotic pleasure and a thrill ride of excitement. A wife is responsibility and order to a once carefree lifestyle.

Is it any wonder why Proverbs 5:18 speaks of being with the wife of your youth.

Yet husbands often forget all that a woman goes through. The emotional cycles, pregnancies, child birth (two different things), aging and watching the children grow up - these are all things that profoundly impact a wife's outlook on life.

But while husbands should be mindful of these changes, wives should be mindful as well.

Husbands still want that woman of adventure and kindness. They want that woman who melts in their arms and supports them despite any mistakes or misgivings they might have made over the years.

So I ask the wives this, are you ready to be the wife of his youth?