Over the weekend I saw Disney’s “A Christmas Carol.” I’ve seen every form of this movie with its various actors including Patrick Stewart, Scrooge McDuck, and Bill Murray, but this one is my favorite. Visually it was stunning with the 3-D effects and cartoonish realism; definitely a theater-worthy movie.
During the “Christmas past’ scene Ebenezer is speaking to his fiancée, Belle. She is obviously distraught, likely because of days or weeks of pleading with him to love her or the recent death of her parents. He had committed to her through a “contract” but it was clear to Belle that he loved money more than he did her. Scrooge is cold towards Belle as you realize that this is in the early days of his business. They bicker back and forth about money. His pursuit of wealth had grown immense. Then she asks him a very important question. It’s the question women ask of their husbands every day. “. . . if you were free to-day, to-morrow, yesterday, would you choose me -- you who make your every decision by how much profit it will bring. If you could forget about money for a time and choose me, would you regret your choice?” (PARAPHRASED)
Every woman asks this of her husband either verbally or with her actions. When she dresses nice she wants to be noticed. When you see one another after work, the clock is ticking until you acknowledge her with a kiss and she notices if you take a long time. Every so often she wants to hear why you chose her and whether or not you’d do it again. These moments can sweep her off her feet. So, why not do it? Men must be purposeful in everything, but especially in things that pertain to the care of their wives. It won’t just happen. You have to make it happen
Too many men choose other things. Some, like Scrooge, do so because they give their heart to something else. They find pleasure in an activity or other woman and thus neglect the one they pledged their love to. Some choose other things because the level of commitment needed to make a marriage thrive is often difficult to maintain. If you’ve seen Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (another Scrooge spin off) you’ll know that Matthew Mcconaughey’s character is afraid of being with one woman. He’s AFRAID. Men like this won’t admit it, but going from relationship to relationship is easier than trying to make one woman happy. Doing this may be tough, but it’s one of the most fulfilling things that can be done. Eagles understand this. Why can’t we?
Every woman asks this of her husband either verbally or with her actions. When she dresses nice she wants to be noticed. When you see one another after work, the clock is ticking until you acknowledge her with a kiss and she notices if you take a long time. Every so often she wants to hear why you chose her and whether or not you’d do it again. These moments can sweep her off her feet. So, why not do it? Men must be purposeful in everything, but especially in things that pertain to the care of their wives. It won’t just happen. You have to make it happen
Too many men choose other things. Some, like Scrooge, do so because they give their heart to something else. They find pleasure in an activity or other woman and thus neglect the one they pledged their love to. Some choose other things because the level of commitment needed to make a marriage thrive is often difficult to maintain. If you’ve seen Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (another Scrooge spin off) you’ll know that Matthew Mcconaughey’s character is afraid of being with one woman. He’s AFRAID. Men like this won’t admit it, but going from relationship to relationship is easier than trying to make one woman happy. Doing this may be tough, but it’s one of the most fulfilling things that can be done. Eagles understand this. Why can’t we?
Finally, men neglect their wives in the name of taking care of them. “If I work harder, my wife will have more things, and she’ll be happier.” All the money in the world can’t buy happiness. Scrooge found this out, but today some of us can’t see it. There is fulfillment that can be found in a well paying job, but what really matters is how we spend our free time with those we love. You can’t hug clothing or have dinner with a diamond necklace. Men, for your wife and children your time is the best thing you can give them. Christmas morning presents are exciting but the most important gifts can’t be wrapped.
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