I’ve done it again.

I’ve put that hunted, trapped look on my husband’s face. Good grief, I just wanted an honest answer to a simple question. I didn’t realize that I was asking so much. But his pained expression tells me my latest loaded question has set a new record.

All I said was, “Honey, if I died, how soon do you think you’d remarry?” and he acted as if I had said, “Honey, I’m going to destroy the computer or the flat-screen; which would you prefer?”

He finally responded. “I wouldn’t remarry, babe. No one could ever take your place.”

“Yes, you would. Anyway, I want the girls to have a mother.” 

“Honey, I can’t even imagine being married to someone else.”

(Satisfied smile) “Thanks, sweetie…me too. (Pause) So…how long would you wait?”

I know I’ve gone too far when he sighs deeply and mutters something about needing to change the oil in the car.

I have a history of creating these sorts of conversations. Other hall-of-famers include: “Do you think this dress makes me look fat?” “Do you think I’m starting to look old?” “Is there anything you would change about me?”

He probably thinks I derive some sort of deranged pleasure from watching him squirm. He might suspect that I don’t even want an honest answer…I think I’ll ask him.

Oh Father, how many times have I come to You under the pretense of seeking Your guidance—and then gone my own way? Give me a yearning for the honesty and purity of heart that only Your light can give. Don’t let me cater to vanity and shallow living when there is so much reality to be lived in You.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10

(Excerpted from Time Out: A Quiet-time Devotional for Busy Moms)

What’s your favorite loaded question? 🙂