September 4, 2002

Generosity Backfired

Well I’ve really blown it this time. I try so hard to be careful and make wise decisions, but this time I’ve crossed the line. A thing that once was considered a beautiful, selfless display of thoughtfulness on my part has now become just another thing that is expected of me.

One thing about my bride is that she loves a tall glass of sweet tea every morning. I make it a habit of surprising her with a glass every now and then, so she doesn’t have to get it herself. I’ll sneak it into the bathroom while she’s in the shower. I know what you’re thinking: Where did she get such a thoughtful, generous man? If the world were filled with gentlemen of this caliber, why, there would be no terrorism!

Well this morning, before she went to shower, she said in her sweetest southern belle voice, “Honey, you know how you sometimes get me a glass of sweet tea?” I said “Uh Huh, Sugar, I sure do.” Then I could sense just a tinge of forcefullness (it was her teacher voice) when she said, “yeah, I’d like to have one of those waiting for me when I get out of the shower.”

Yep, just like that, a sweet little innocent act of devotion has turned into something that is expected of me every morning. Now, instead of being the hero each time I walk in with the sweet tea, I’ll be a toad each time I forget it.

I’ve got to be a little more careful next time with my generosity. Hope you’ve all learned something here.