This is a great breakdown on relationships! One of the best I’ve heard. I hope it ministers to you in a powerful way! Enjoy the video and God Bless You.
Category: Marriage and Family
I used to wonder why I didn’t hear my favorite preachers and teachers talk about parenting much. Now that I have two children, and one on the way, I know why. To be blunt, parenting is HARD WORK.
Trust me. I am not making a negative confession. It’s simple realism. I never knew how much I HAD TO CHANGE until I had my first child six years ago.
What’s the biggest challenge?
Selfishness. Plain and simple.
I had lived selfishly for so long that I didn’t think it was possible to give the way you must give to children. Even after I got married, I remained selfish. But when it comes to your little offspring, you just can’t be selfish. You really can’t. In fact, you should just kiss selfishness goodbye because children need YOU more than your money, your food, your clothes… they need you.
Is it easy?
No.
Is it glamorous?
No.
Is it fun everyday?
No.
Is it the most rewarding thing in the world?
Yes.
So I traded in selfishness for something greater… unconditional love for my kids. My love for them propels me past my selfish tendencies.
It’s priceless.
You won’t believe this, but one of the worst arguments I had with my husband was over a microwave oven. Yes. A microwave. A $200 microwave was the catalyst for much yelling, arguing and even crying. Needless to say I’m pretty embarrassed about it now. Yet six years ago, in the midst of it, I was pretty furious.
The details about the argument are not important. 🙂
In a nutshell my husband was right and I was wrong. Very wrong. However, we often laugh hysterically about the silliness of the infamous “microwave fight.”
Why would I discuss this in a blog about making a marriage work? It’s simple. Our marriage works well because we no longer sweat the small stuff. We don’t get ” heated” over our own selfish desires. When a spouse INSISTS on his or her own way, then they are being selfish. Period. I cannot stress how vital it is to YIELD YOUR OWN WAY OF DOING THINGS AND BEING RIGHT.
Give the advantage to your spouse 100% of the time. I know it may seem unfair. God sees injustice and He knows which spouse is right. In the midst of a fight, ask yourself ,”Am I saying what Jesus wants me to say?” or “Does my attitude reflect Christ?”
Probably not.
Chances are whatever you’re fighting about will be moot (and probably laughable) years later. Trust me, I have a microwave to show for it.
I am not a super expert on marriage. Marriage is hard work. My husband and I have issues just like any other couple. However, after more than 10 years of marriage, I can honestly say we have a great relationship and strive to make it better. The key to our marital and relational success can be summed up in one word: CHANGE. We have been willing to change and grow in order to have a great union. Enjoy the video from one of my favorite teachers, Jimmy Evans and Happy V’ Day!
I’ve watched this video by Nicole Johnson several times. It’s so uplifting. Be encouraged today! Let me know what you think!
The Prayer Closet 