Books Of Care

care - Books of Care

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10, NIV

I (David) love to study. During one phase of our marriage, I had enrolled in a seminary course through an extension program in our city. I was thrilled to be applying my love for study to the Bible.

Part of my research for the class was the use of a particular set of Bible commentaries. I envied the guys in my class who could afford to purchase these books. It was quite a hassle to have to check and recheck these books from the library every week, but finances were tight for the Fergusons that year, and the books were simply beyond our budget.

Our seminary course was about to conclude for the semester, but I knew I would need the commentaries next semester as well. So I searched the bookstores hoping to find a used set of commentaries. I came away from that search empty-handed.

The Christmas holidays sped by, and on Christmas morning the family opened gifts. Teresa and I opened the presents we had bought for each other, and guess what I got? That’s right—those Bible commentaries! Teresa knew how much they meant to me, and she bought me a set.

What’s the big deal about a set of books, you ask? Just the fact that Teresa cared enough to listen to the desire of my heart. She met my need because she cared about me and about what was important to me. Those books were her way of saying that what mattered to me mattered to her.

Those books still mean a great deal to me, and I will keep using them, even if they become obsolete.

What can you do today to meet a need or desire that, while it seems insignificant to you, truly matters to your spouse?