Why I Always Kiss Him Goodbye? The following article has been written by Janelle Newton. It includes editorial content which is the opinion and story of the writer.
The Ambush
I will always kiss him goodbye. I have my reasons. Perhaps the most obvious one is that I am keenly aware that his job is dangerous and I never have any guarantee that he will come home. A few months ago, the National Fraternal Order of Police reported that ambush attacks on officers were up 126% from last year. This is heavy and hurts my heart. But I choose to not go around as a mess of anxiety or in a state of depression. I refuse to live in fear or be a nervous wreck. Instead, I commit myself to pray for him and I determine to ambush my officer in another way. I ambush him with love. Yes, I will chase him down, if necessary, in order to send him off knowing he is loved and cherished. Another reason I do this is because I want him to spend his shift looking forward to returning home, knowing there will be a warm embrace waiting for him. Our marriage hasn’t always been rosy. There were times that life in our house was so tense I suspected he didn’t want to come home. He’d literally rather work late and deal with criminals than come home to a bitter wife. That says a lot, doesn’t it? Those times are years away in the distant past. I made up my mind a long time ago that he would never leave for work without knowing he is loved, and my desire is that he WANTS to come home to me.
The Near Miss
Quite a few weeks ago, on a typical morning, he was leaving for work, but we were rushed and distracted, and I ALMOST forgot to kiss him goodbye. I chased him down a few steps and knocked on his window. He stopped, rolled down the window and gave me a kiss and I went back into the house. Someone had to come to our house just a few minutes later and she commented that she saw my husband working a major accident right around the corner from our house at a busy intersection. I said, “Poor guy! He didn’t even make it to the station. He literally just left for work a few minutes ago.” Later that night, when he came home, we talked about the accident. He said a truck ran a red light and hit the car in the intersection. He said it happened right in front of him. He said it would have been him in the intersection had he left home five seconds earlier. At this point my eyes met his and we both knew what could have happened…and what did not happen…and we were thankful. And I said, “Aren’t you glad you stopped to give me that kiss?”
The Blessing
I think we all can appreciate being sent off well. When I was a kid my mom would pray for me as I was about to get out of the car at school in the morning. What a gift. I stepped out into the world knowing I was loved, and God was with me. There was nothing I could not face. This is the way I strive to love my husband and my sons. Some affection, some prayer, some encouraging words…they go a long way. I laughed to myself as I read this passage in the Bible. It may seem silly, but it’s great inspiration for how to speak to your husband as he heads out to serve, protect, and fight evil. “You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.” (Psalm 45:2-4 NLT)
However mushy that may sound, I challenge you to speak some encouraging words to your husband as he leaves for the day. You might be shocked at what a difference a kiss and a blessing make. You might be amazed how he conquers the day when you encourage him to “ride forth victoriously.”
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The Chase
A few days ago, once again, my husband was in a hurry to leave, and I was distracted with something else. He didn’t see me as he was leaving, so he just started driving away. I realized he was leaving and I proceeded to chase him down the alley. Here I was, running after a police SUV, in the alleyway, and tapping on the windows as I could catch up to them. Yes, it is a funny picture. Yes, I looked ridiculous. And yes, I am very persistent. When he finally stopped and I caught up to his window, I said, “Can’t you see me running after you? Can’t you hear me hitting your windows?” As his window rolled down, I saw the mischief twinkling in his eyes as he answered, “I just wanted to see how far you would actually chase me.” I still gave him his kiss and we parted ways for the day. I cannot control much in this world. But I can make sure that my family knows how much I love them. I can control my words. I can give hugs and I can give kisses. I can pray. These are much better options than worry and fear. I hope you will try it next time you say goodbye. You never know, your kiss could save a life.
JANELLE NEWTON has been married to her husband Paul since 1997, and they have four sons. Paul is a Sergeant with the Wichita Falls Police Department where he has worked since 2002. Janelle is the author of the book Bulletproof Home: A Mom’s Guide to Building an Indestructible House, and she speaks regularly at events for Homeschooling Moms. Janelle and Paul are the founders of BridgetotheBadge.org, a ministry to families of First Responders. She and Paul have been guest speakers at various churches and events on the topics of marriage and law enforcement life. Janelle and her family reside in Wichita Falls, Texas.
