In
today's fast-paced world, we often discover that our spouse is too busy to make
us a priority in their life. We get the left-overs, the dregs, the moments
prior to them turning over and instantly snoring through the night.
After
a while, we wonder what part we play in this marriage. Are we simply a mule and
a paycheck, or free slave labor as chief cook and bottle-washer? We are
definitely not a priority on our mate's to-do list.
They
take us for granted and show no appreciation for the huge benefits we provide
for them. The kids, our vocation, housework, hobbies, civic and church
activities all seem to be clamoring for more and more of our time.
When
we are home, we vegetate in front of the TV and watch sports or Hallmark movies
to combat the stress of the day, or we lock our self in our sewing room or
garage and create items that we do not really need. The fun goes right out of
our relationship, and we grow more distant by the minute.
We
spend very little time sharing from our heart. Busyness is public enemy number
one in relationships, in our health, in our peace, and in our relationship with
Creator God. We often use busyness to fulfill a need to feel accepted, loved, significant,
relevant, successful, etc.
We
cannot change our spouse, or make them change their priorities. However, we can
pray about this, and ask God to change them. As we pray, we can also change our
self. We learn to be grateful for what we do have from God and our spouse.
When
we stop complaining and live in gratitude for what God gives us, God opens our
heart to see His benefits in our life. We find fulfillment in our relationship
with Him. This takes the stress out of our attitude, words, actions and
thoughts.
We
are more grateful for God's benefits in our life, and we focus less on what we
do not have. We also learn to focus on the positive that our mate does, rather
than on what he/she does not do. This makes us more attractive to our mate and
he/she wants to spend more time with us.
Prayer:
Father
God, teach us to focus on the positive qualities of our family - those aspects
that we take for granted (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Teach us that this attitude
helps us to be kinder to them, more sympathetic to their priorities and more
compassionate. We always want to thank You for Your marvelous works and for who
You are in our life.
Remind
us to take note of our spouse's positive character qualities, their tireless
work ethic, and their commitment to what they deem important. Show us how our
contentment draws our spouse and children to us, so that they want to spend
time with us. Our patience with them is contagious, and they make us more of a
priority in their life. Our sense of wellbeing with Christ in us, makes us
appreciate all that You have already given to us.
Thought
for the Day:
When
we appreciate what we have, we are more capable of accepting what we do not
have; we allow patience to have her perfect work in us, as we wait on God to
meet all of our needs according to His glorious riches.
