Saturday, January 17, 2009

Sharing our Hearts

A friend came in to the store today and we had a nice visit.

She shared how something i had said at Life Group last week had helped her and touched her heart.

It was basically how men and women think differently and I shared part of what Scott and I have learned about each other that has helped our relationship.

Specifically what i had shared was about the little things that bother us, that get in the way of our relationship, that build resentment, and put up walls.
I used picking up dirty clothes as an example. How it used to frustrate me that he just left them in a pile and didn't take them to the laundry room. That's one of the small things that had grown into a big thing many years ago, along with many other little things, and my resentment was growing.

Then the Lord showed me that those things are not worth coming between us.
Nor are any of the other lists of things we women usually complain about: for example- toilet seat, toilet paper, toothpaste, ratty clothes, burping and so on. (well, the burping really does need to go). =0)
These things all pile up and we get irritated, frustrated, naggy, and .... you know.

What if your man wasn't there? What if there were no dirty clothes to pick up? No towels to wash, no .....

So, let's try to take those things that frustrate us, and replace them with something good they do.
Like go to work every day so we can eat, keeping the car drivable, being faithful,
loving the Lord.

I'm sure if you start to think about it, you will think of a lot of things.

Now I know some of you are past the point of looking at things that way. You think if this guy would just change everything would be fine. You are miserable and he doesn't even seem to notice.

I know where you are coming from. I spent 12 miserable years thinking that and it didn't change a thing!!!! I just stayed miserable.

Then the Lord made it clear to me, and made me realize that i was the one who needed to change. I needed to be willing to change. And change me He did.

And you want to know what happened? As I began to change, so did my husband!

It took time, but we have learned to love and appreciate each other more, and communicate better.
And our love and trust in the Lord has grown too.
He is faithful to finish what He has begun in us.

I know the Lord allows things in our lives to help others. So I hope this helps someone out there in blog land.

Blessings as you give thanks for the gift of the husband you have.

Barbara Jean

1 comment:

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Barb, what a wonderful gift you gave to her. And something for all of us to remember. Thanks for swinging in see my little assistant and his work. He certainly brings alot of joy into our home. I hope you're having a super Monday my friend.
hugs ~lynne~