Marriage has always been a blessing, but the reality of it is that it does require the adjustments of a fine machine.
That adjustment is character and God's direction in your life. No doubt about it: your marriage requires you to stretch yourself and THINK OF THE OTHER person before yourself.
In one instant I asked M to do all the research and plan our trip to Spain. I literally just 'dumped' it on her.
She was fustrated and didn't know where to start, and we talked a little, but I needed to take a break and listen to her, and later I felt God's prompting, "You dumped it on her, and she feels stressed. Go assure you, push her to learn, but you have to be sensitive to what's she's been adjusting to: a new schedule, new place...".
I had to go and ask M for forgivness and assure her we're 'in it together'. I also encouraged her "I believe you can do so much more."
Fit perfectly with a devotion I got about BUILDING UP.
Paul, the Blind Man of Damascus Road, refers to this special power when he’s speaking of his role as an apostle. He said the power and authority that emerged from Christ’s spirit within him was given to him to build others up, and that it should never be used to tear others down.
Greet people with the positive vs. Open with the negative
· Point out what is right vs. Magnify what is wrong
· Expect excellence vs. Expect perfection
· Listen intently vs. Don?t listen at all
· See the individual vs. See the stereotype
· Applaud positive changes vs. Say, ?You?ll never change!?
· Acceptance vs. Rejection
· Respect vs. Ridicule
· Apology vs. Blame
· Forgive vs. Shame
· ?You can do it? vs. ?You?re hopeless?
· Promises kept vs. Promises broken
· Unconditional love vs. ?Strings attached? love
· God interprets circumstances vs. Fear interprets circumstances
· Point toward things above vs. Point toward problems
· ?He?s a child of God? vs. ?He?s a problem to be dealt with?
You have great power; how will you handle the responsibility?