God places
opposites together in marriage so that our mate's strengths will help us and
our strengths will help them. Together we change and blend and meld into a
stronger unit.
However,
these differences - which often attracted us to one another - cause conflict in
our relationship. This increases our stress level and causes much anxiety, despondency,
resentment and a condition of reflex rather than forethought.
Developing a
relationship where we accept one another as we are, and changing our focus to
one of appreciating our differences will help solve these negative feelings.
We learn to
laugh and play and spend quality time together that does not include children,
work issues, financial stress and difference of opinion or philosophy. This
couple time gives us the opportunity to develop areas of compromise with each
other, so that our differences strengthen us as a unit.
Both men and
women need acceptance, cherishing, nurturing and help to overcome our
shortcomings. The many little thoughtful ways that we develop in order to show
each other appreciation and respect are well worth or effort.
Life is imperfect
and so are we. We can change our perspective on one another's reactions, body
language and over-reactions, not taking them so seriously or personally.
We can
determine to accept each other as a flawed human and stop expecting one another
to live a perfect life. This allows us to appreciate each other and it makes
room for more intimacy and delight in one another.
Prayer:
Father God,
remind us that once we say, "I do" our playtime does not end. Our
commitment to each other improves our relationship rather than changes it. We
can play together and date each other after the marriage ceremony in the same
way that we did prior to saying our vows.
Help us to
lighten up on our interaction with one another and to develop activities that
help us to separate our soul from the serious side of our life together. Remind
us that this gives us the basis on which we can face our struggles and trials
with more unity, faith and resources as we work on them together.
Thought for
the Day:
Playing
together is one of the most important and positive experiences we can share as
a couple; we can concentrate on finding activities that we both enjoy and do
them together, as well as taking the time to participate in activities that we
do not particularly enjoy, but that our partner loves.
