My son, who is off at college was good about noticing when mom did things. He noticed when I went above and beyond and he noticed when I was feeling the pressure of not keeping up. He was aware of the term "filling the love tank" and I so appreciate that, more so now as my tank is feeling a wee bit low.
I have such appreciation for Proverbs 31:25
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her. There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all." ohhhh this is the woman I desire to be.
A Godly woman who loves, adores, treasures and keeps her family. A woman who has a heart so full of God the feeling of a "tank low" is something in the distance. I want to be so filled with God that needing the appreciation of my family isn't necessary. However, I believe as women we are wired to have our "tanks filled", to desire to feel appreciated.
For as great the desire to take care of others, how wonderful the surprise of finding dinner made, laundry done, lawn mowed, a special 'just because' note. To have someone take care of us from time to time is a nice treat.
I'm not one who requires catering to, or even desires it but today as I feel a bit "tank low" I'm being prayerful that God will fill me, fill my tank and fill my heart to a level that says "You are enough". "You are a good wife & mother". "You are taking care of your family & that pleases me" Today I am asking God to fill me full ~ and to remind me that I don't take care of my family for the reward of them noticing, but in the reward of knowing I am taking the best care of them I possibly can.