A Review

Yesterday at church, I was talking to a young woman who is preparing for marriage. She is glowing with anticipation. Her plans are very detailed and she has been able to secure the things she wanted to make her wedding day the greatest ever. I was chatting with her about her future husband's job...he is in a very demanding field which will require him to be away from her very often. She gave me a look of disappointment when she thought that he would have to be away from her as much as his job demanded.
I thought all of us have "known" something about our husbands prior to marriage that either we thought we could change or we would settle into the "fact" that this is the way it will be. Some of us, thought "I will change him" some of us in desperation say "He will never change!"
As I talked to her, I encouraged her to think that many people are very grateful for what her "future" husband does and as she releases him to do his job he will continue to be a source of hope for many. I told her many will be grateful to her for her sacrifice. Part of loving our husbands is giving them the room to fulfill their roles in their careers.

As we wrap up these two weeks, I need to ask...what are you still hoping to change about yourself...not your husband ...but you. Often it is easy to say...he has to change but the hard work and the most beneficial work comes as we change.

These past two weeks have you:
Had more tender thoughts about him?
Cherished his differences..his masculinity?
Purposed to spend more time with him?
Enjoyed his company? His interests?

These are all questions that provide a good measurement of how we are doing. But as we have learned we can go into auto pilot without giving much thought and emotion to the tasks. So here is where the Cross must enter...It is through the Cross that we can find joy and strength and peace. The Cross enters the moment we recognize marriage as a GIFT...we give thanks in the receiving this gift and we offer it back. We cherish it and we love him because he is the gift. God has hand-picked him for you! He has brought the two of you together for good...
Romans 8:28
"God works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose"
Our marriages is one of those good things...may I say It is one of the best things.

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Just a reminder...
Naples Girls get together tomorrow night at my home.
7:00 p.m.
See you there and thanks for all your thoughts this week.