His eyes flickered open as the sun climbed over the edge of the horizon.  Another dark night had been conquered… hopefully today would find him the relief he dreamed about.  The bedroom window faced the eastern sky and ushered in the intrusive rays of sunlight onto his face – no alarm clock could wake him like the brightness of a new day.

Daniel sat on the edge of his bed and recounted his decisions made over the last 21 years.  He thought about the woman he married, the daughter and son who came into their lives early in their marriage.  The woman he promised to love, cherish, and protect laid quietly by his side… emotionally unattached.  The kids were in college and beginning their own life now… rarely coming home, hardly taking the time to call.

He shuffled to the shower to prepare for another day at the job he spent years cultivating.  His business had done well and taken him places he never dreamed were possible.  There were highs and lows scattered throughout his career… but the demands of owning his own business engulfed him, and no matter how hard he worked… he couldn’t buy his way out of this situation.

As the water hammered down on his back, Daniel replayed his life and wondered how things would have been different if he had spent more time with his kids.  Would the divorce papers laying on the dresser still be presented to him?  Would things have been different if he spent as much time with her as he did with his job?  He would never know.

Deep down, he didn’t really blame her for wanting to move on.  She refused to give up on the marriage as long as she could for the sake of the kids.  Daniel was aware of what was happening, but often blamed her for not supporting his work, his dedication, his drive to provide for his family.  He could still hear the echoes of his children begging him to play with them.  His wife always suggesting that he hold her closer.  It was too late now.  The call for success and accomplishment still outweighed their voices… he couldn’t shut it off.

Daniel’s dad had instilled a work ethic into his life that was second to none.  Everyone who met Daniel was eager to get his attention… his dedication was coveted by industry leaders.  If they could only clone him.  Daniel often thanked his dad for showing him how to work hard.  But now, on the verge of losing the very people that made his life complete… he saw the blessing of his father, turn into a curse.  Daniel was lost, and he couldn’t fix this one… so he just went to work… his career is the “drink” that drowned his emptiness.

Stories of guys like Daniel are lived in real life every day.  Too often, we build our fortunes on the lust for power, success, and society’s approval while we destroy the lives of our families.  We accept the support of our wives who only want us to be happy, but crave our attention, our protection, and our love.  The children, no matter the age, continue to watch how we pursue life and how we love our wife – their mother.   They will repeat our pattern.  How are we showing them to love and be loved?

Some of you have been wonderful fathers.  Some of you have decided to walk away from your family.  Some of you married the wrong person for the wrong reasons.  Some of you simply want a wife to satisfy your sexual desire and nothing more.

Don’t end up like Daniel.  Love your wife.  Seek out your children.  Their lives are far more valuable than your career, your hobbies, your own desires.  Chase your dreams only after you’ve made their dreams come true.  The favor of God rests on the men who can call Jesus, his King.  Blessings are available to fill in the gaps of life for those who place God first.  Men of God are required to love their wives like Jesus Christ loves the church.  You must sacrifice for her, protect her, and hold her like Christ holds us.

Love her with intensity.  Protect her with a powerful grip.  Serve her as you would serve your own desires.  Be a man of God who stands in the face of adversity and does not shrink from the challenge.  God loved you enough to die for you… love her enough to do the same.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. – Ephesians 5:25