A friend called wanting to meet up for coffee at the Sbux right around the corner. Todd and I were in the middle of cleaning the garage, so when she called I was both excited for the welcome break, but needed to keep my hubby motivated! I asked my friend to give me 30 minutes - so we could finish - and me being in the garage with hubby, helping him, keeps him motivated. I was willing to do anything to keep him motivated to not just start the garage project, but to finish it in the same day! The topic of the day - the husband.
The more I talk with other women about the struggles they have with their husbands, the more it encourages me to 'take my own advice and do what I know to do to make the relationship grow and mature'. Because you know why? It doesn't just happen. Just because you can say you have been married for 10, 21 (like us) or even 30 years, doesn't mean that you have a mature marriage. Yes, it is always a process...but do we really want to keep going around the same tree every time something comes up? Sure, there are things that we agree to disagree on, however when it comes to demanding the menial on every issue - that can just exaust any body!
John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." Our spouse is our friend. When there is a conflict with a back and forth spewing of words, the greatest thing (and often the hardest thing) is to lay down your own will, your own need to control or overly guide the conversation, your desire to have the last word - and give place to your love. There is nothing more humbling, freeing, and in time, fruitful. When guided by the principles in God's word - there is only good that can come from it.
