My Husband's Nightmare

“I had a nightmare,” my husband remarked as we got ready for the day.

Asking what it was about, I learned that he dreamed that he and I and our son were on an ATV and the ATV suddenly lost power, probably the drive-train; and then the radiator started leaking- multiple pin-sized leaks sprouting from everywhere! I couldn’t suppress a giggle. I assured him I wasn’t laughing at his nightmare- it was just the kind scenario that would be a nightmare to him-- a mechanical failure. I asked where we were going on the ATV and then I understood his horror. We were on the way to stake conference (a regional church meeting) “and now my hands were all covered with black grease!” he explained. “And we were going to be late,” I added. “Exactly,” he agreed, now knowing I understood.

My husband HATES being late- and takes great pains to make sure he is always EARLY. He also has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and two Masters of Engineering degrees- one in Mechanical and the second in Electrical Engineering. He earned his living as a rocket scientist. For him, the world is defined through the principles of mathematics and physics. He is also, and has always been, the fixer of all broken things. My nightmares consist of spiders or how to protect our sleeping children from a crazed intruder in the night; but for him, a mechanical failure that will make him LATE to church- that’s a nightmare.

Again I am reminded how differently we as individuals ‘see’ the world. And, I am grateful for those differences in our marriage. I do get anxious about being late, but I NEVER have nightmares about mechanical failures-- probably because I never have to worry about fixing such things- I have total faith in knowing that he will fix or take care of such things. It lightens my burden immensely to not even give thought to whether the car will start when I need it or how to get the laundry done when the washer breaks. He maintains the car so it always starts, hears noises it or the washer make so that he anticipates what part is wearing out and fixes it BEFORE it becomes a crisis. I am left free to worry about ridding our house of spiders with the spider vacuum he gave me or checking all the locks twice before going to bed. What a blessing he is to me! Thank you, Heavenly Father.