Life
is often exhausting and depletes our supply of energy before we realize it. We
are so busy with vocation, church, family, housework, friends, etc. that we
actually neglect our self.
Our
physical and emotional tanks run on empty. If we take the time for daily
devotions, and if we pray without ceasing, we can often avoid burnout. Our
spirit carries us through the rough roads.
However,
if we also neglect our spiritual walk, there is no other outcome - we will
eventually crash and burn. We may end up with an illness that forces us to rest
in the goodness of the Lord, or a relational issues that cause us to cling
closer to Jesus within us.
As
a couple, we carry one another's burdens, we partner with each other and lift
up our loads together, until we gain a reprieve from our burdens (Galatians
6:2). We accept each other with all of our flaws and inadequacies.
We
can make a daily list of the kindnesses, helpfulness and blessings that our
mate provides for us on a daily basis. We serve each other; and we give from what
the Lord give us, rather than taking or expecting to receive for our self.
This
helps us to appreciate one another and to show gratitude. I purchased a small,
chubby notebook and started writing down all of the kind things my husband said
to me, as well as the thoughtful ways that his words and behavior supported me
each day.
I
reread the notebook often to remind myself about just how blessed I am to have
him as my mate. This causes me to focus on his positive traits rather than to
grumble about what I sometimes view as his inadequacies.
Thanking
each other for the thoughtful gestures and acts of service, no matter how small
or inconsequential they may seem, also encourages each of us to repeat the
behaviors that elicited these accolades.
Prayer:
Father
God, help us to appreciate one another, rather than to focus on each other's
faults. Remind us to verbally affirm one another and to build each other up,
rather than to tear our mate down with our words and actions. If our mate does
not think it is important to build us up, help us to forgive him/her and to
bless them anyway.
Remind
us to value each other and to love one another just as we are. Help us to see
the amazing person that You brought into our life, and to give You the praise and
glory for how their strengths really do make up for our weaknesses. This way we
are able to experience the joy of cherishing and appreciating each other, and
to communicate those feelings, rather than to minimize and belittle one another.
Thought
for the Day:
After
I record the blessings from my spouse in my "chubby book", I email
him, write him a note, or talk to him about how he blessed me; if he is
available, I also immediately thank him for his words and/or actions because
gratitude always reaps rewards.
