Why I Leave the Porch Light On For My Marriage

Every Tuesday when I leave my house I turn the porch light on even though it’s only early afternoon. I don’t turn the light on most other days, just Tuesdays. It’s not that I’m afraid to come home to the dark doorway - I’m not. And truth be told, I’d rather not leave the light on for 6+ hours. So why do I do it?

Tuesdays are not an easy day in our house. They are a day of stressful meetings for my husband. But each meeting is a sign of growth and progress, despite how difficult it is.

It wasn’t too long ago that I almost lost my husband - spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and even physically. I wasn’t sure what a day would hold.

All our lives turned upside down with some poor decisions that were made; now most days find me out of the house for at least a portion of the day.

Because Tuesday is the day that is hardest for my husband, I want him to know that the light will be on when he comes home. I don’t get home until after he does, but the light is on, waiting for him.

There aren’t a lot of people waiting for us in our current situation. The list of emails in our inboxes are mostly work-related. The texts on our phones are from each other. There are very few people who know our names at church because we are now at a new church. It was no longer an option to go to what had been our church home for over 10 years. Apparently redemption is an option for some, not all. I believe the exact words were, “You don’t have to go to a building to meet with God.” Odd that the whole biblical idea of corporate worship was tossed aside because of the situation. Thankfully, though, there are those who still believe in redemption, who still steward what God has given for them - His own son’s life - to make the way for others to come together corporately and strengthen their faith.

So after a long hard day, I want my husband to know someone was thinking about him, missing him.

I don’t know if he’s actually even realized that the light is on every Tuesday, and that’s okay.

We all need to know someone is waiting for us, no matter what.

We all need someone on our side.

I’ve watched too many people walk out on my husband. I’ve watched too many people act like his sins are too great to forgive, too great for God to redeem.

What if we all believed in that one person who seems unlovable? What if we invested in our spouse, friend or coworker despite the situation?

What if?

I’ll tell you “what if”…

You will get a front row seat for the beauty of God at work!

That doesn’t mean that things will be easy or that everything will immediately fall into place. There are still consequences for choices we make.

But the person going through the struggle desperately needs your support. They need to know they’re not alone.

Today is Tuesday. The light by the front door will be on when I leave this afternoon.

As for me, I will always have hope….
Psalm 71:14

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