The news around The Ruvere House is we’ve finally embarked on a complete renovation of our kitchen – a project we’ve been discussing a plotting for the better part of a year. The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and it’s no different in our house. Who knew this project would also remind me of the value of trust.
One of my wife’s hobbies is not only cooking but learning the science behind recipes and techniques. We often cook together in the kitchen – one of us leading and the other cleaning up after the other or gathering the necessary ingredients from the pantry.
Our kitchen is more than just a room, but a place where beautiful memories are shared with each other, as well as family and friends who’ve gathered around the table for celebrations and casual weekend dinners.
We’re both pretty excited about the upcoming transformation, but it’s not without its share of stressors. This renovation will be the largest project my wife and I have ever commissioned during our 20-year marriage, and the details are daunting.
Before my wife returned to the classroom this August, we tried to plan out as many design choices as possible, knowing that her time would be limited and devoted to her students until later in the afternoon. But one line item couldn’t get addressed in time. Unsatisfied with the in-person appearance of a recently arriving batch of countertop patterns, we found ourselves scrambling to find something else that met our expectations.
With my time more flexible and store hours less than convenient, my wife said, “You go. I trust you. I know you’ll pick out exactly what we want.” Our kitchen has many counters, so the pressure was on as I began to feel a level of uncertainty as I walked with our designer down aisle after aisle of countertop slabs.
At this point, I’m sure you’re wondering where I’m going with this. I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. While visiting one design center after another, I started to hear my wife’s words reverberating in my mind. “I trust you.”
My friends, as roundabout as this example might be, the foundation of a great marriage, of a great relationship, is the value of trust and knowing each other so intimately that the two of you could almost share the same mind space.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have found such a life partner who trusts me with the little things, the big things, and everything in-between. That’s not something easily attained and often overlooked and abused in relationships today.
Never take lightly the value of trust and the person who’s put theirs in you. Cherish it. Appreciate it. Respect it. It’s one of the greatest gifts you’ll ever receive.
As for the countertops? She was more than pleased with my choice.