During the dating phase of our relationships, we tend to ignore the red flags and make excuses for our significant other’s irritating tendencies. We feel the frustration in our soul, but we are “in love,” so we do not allow their habits to bother us.
Once we actually get married, however, dozens of other irritations join those we already noticed and chose to ignore. Then we ask our self, “What have I done?” Our mate did not change, our perception of their behavior took off the blinders, and we no longer attempt to make excuses for them.
We often feel overwhelmed by our differences that we used to find humorous or bearable. Depression, disgust and disillusionment set-in deeper and deeper in our soul. We suddenly realize that we married a flawed human being, rather than the perfect specimen of marriage material that we thought they were.
Our thoughts control our feelings and direct our behavior. The shift in our thoughts change the way we perceive our mate’s character and behavior. Therefore, another shift in our mindset will also change the way we respond to this person that we married. The Holy Spirit is always ready to help us to see the good in all things (Philippians 4:8).
I heard that the hoverboard, so popular with the young people of today, works on the premise of thinking about where you want to go. Then, our thoughts make subtle changes in the nerves in our feet, and the toy responds to those nerve pulses and goes in the proper direction.
The Holy Spirit directs us in a similar manner. He puts subtle thoughts into our mind, and He directs our whole focus in that direction. If we simply respond to His guidance, we will go in the proper direction to carry out His plans for us in each moment of our day.
Prayer:
Father God, Your Spirit transforms and renews our mind from carnal to spiritual thinking (Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8). Thank You for helping us to cherish this imperfect person that we married. Remind us to realize that we too are flawed. Our mate may be feeling the same disillusionment that we are; therefore, it is wise to stop entertaining negative thoughts, and instead, to nurture our appreciation of each other’s good qualities.
Infuse us with Your power to start cherishing the strengths in our spouse and to realize that the traits that irritate us are not roadblocks, but opportunities to cherish everything about our mate. Then, our thoughts will influence our behavior, and our acceptance of everything about our mate will help them to view us with this same grace and mercy that God gives to us. We want to honor You with our choices and allow You to love our mate through us.
Thought for the Day:
The direction of our thoughts will steer us in our course of action; therefore, keeping a positive, nurturing, accepting, grateful, cherishing and loving thought life will direct the success of all of our relationships.
