Condition of the Sheep

As husbands we are called to love and lead our families as Christ loved the church (Eph 4.25-28). Unfortunately, many husbands fall into one of the two extremes of either neglecting their duty of leadership, or assuming a role of the household tyrant. The latter extreme is often because of neglect in loving the members of their family as Christ loves the church, and the former is due to neglect that leadership must be loving. One of the practical ways of lovingly leading our families to be invested in them. Both in regards to knowing their condition (e.g. their struggles, their joys, etc.) and practically investing in them (e.g. quality time, affection, etc.) . Proverbs exhorts us in knowing the condition of our flocks (and in this case our family). It states,

Know well the condition of your flocks,
and give attention to your herds,
for riches do not last forever;
and does a crown endure to all generations?
When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
the lambs will provide your clothing,
and the goats the price of a field.
There will be enough goats' milk for your food,
for the food of your household
and maintenance for your girls. (Prov. 27.23-27)

There are so many times that we don't know or lead our families with love as we should, we don't care to know their condition, and instead get caught up in providing for them and not investing in them. This is something of the utmost importance because investing in them is a real, tangible communication of the love of Christ to them. That in our love and leadership to them, they will have a real analogy of Christ's love and leadership. That when put into practice the family becomes a community that reflects the church, a community of love centered on Jesus.
The Proverbs section also indicates an important truth, and that is the result of leading and investing in them. That just as caring for your flocks provided for a good family existence (clothing, food - the essence or core of the family) that caring, loving, and leading your family provides a good and joyous family experience. Practically, that could mean sacrificing an evening with the guys to watch a Jane Austen adaptation, helping her with chores around the house, cuddling up with the wife for some quality time, playing with the daughter, or even posting a blog while watching a good 'ol post-apocalyptic zombie/vampie movie.