For the zillionth time, you probably forgot the topic of your last fight with you
spouse. Why did you disagree so vehemently? Why was it so important? What
fueled your intense emotion and discord? Was it worth the consequences of your words
and actions? Did it really matter anyway?
Most
of time we would have to answer, "No." Satan has a way of blowing
things up in our mind until they seem to be immensely important - important
enough to vent our annoyance, to wound our spouse, and to stick to our pride
and refuse to compromise on some issue.
We
fall for the devil's lies every time, and reap what we sow, which is not really
necessary. Unresolved conflicts mount up in our mind and turn into an
insurmountable mountain of hurt feelings, wounded egos, lack of communication,
neglect, abandonment, disappointments and misunderstandings.
There
is always a third option. We never need to choose sides and stubbornly fight to
the finish. Instead, we can chat together to find an agreeable solution. The more
time we spend together, communicating over daily feelings and issues, the less
we fight.
Sharing
with each other, and actually listening to each other, showing concern and
compassion for one another, etc. improves our bond of love. We actually look
forward to seeing each other, and we make time to pray and to play together.
Prayer:
Father
God, teach us how to love unconditionally, to nurture our love for one another,
to make the time and to reserve the energy it takes to communicate and to enjoy
each other's company. Help us to simplify our life, reduce our stress, and
spend quality time together.
Your
Word reminds us that it is the little foxes (irritations, disagreements, hurts,
slights, broken promises) that spoil the vine (Song of Solomon 2:15). Remind us
that investing time in our relationship pays big dividends in the long run.
Help us to discover shared ministry, interests, hobbies, and even making time
to shop and cook together, so that we can increase our intimacy.
Thought
for the Day:
Unresolved
conflict festers like a splinter under our skin and eventually causes an
infection in our relationship; seeking a counselor to help sort through our
issues is worth the investment.
