...be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."
-Hebrews 13:5b
This morning, Dora and I went for an extra-long (1 hour) walk through Clayton Heights. Even though I had only 7 hours of sleep, getting up wasn't so tough today for some reason, and we were out the door by 5:55 am. The weather was reasonable and it seemed to be lighter than usual. The birds were singing (or was it bats chirping?) - either way, it sounded spring-y to me. I wasn't hungry or cranky and Dora wasn't yanking my arm off - all in all it was a great stroll. I even decided to detour past Clayton Crossing to see if Starbucks was open. Little did I know, they open at 5 am (score!) and I treated myself to a chai tea and a lemon cranberry scone. Yum. Today's walk really gave me a chance to praise the Lord and thank Him for His goodness. While Wayne and I both seem to be a in a funk right now (missing each other and frustrated by the time difference that doesn't give us a lot of time to connect when neither of us is around a bunch of people), praying for him and our relationship this morning really made me see how blessed we really are and how the little bit of extra effort it takes to make sure we connect regularly, even if one of us has to sacrifice 20 minutes of sleep at either end of the day, is worth it. It will mean the difference between a strong marriage and a resentful one.
If your significant other is at home with you and not on the other side of the country (or working completely opposite shifts from you!), regularly sit down together in private, without the tv or radio on or the kids around, to listen to one another's fears and dreams and frustrations and thoughts. Sometimes, I don't even know how I feel until I've "thought through it out loud" with Wayne. Sometimes this involves crying and yelling and apologies and being put in your place. But that's okay. Because being honest with each other, even if the timing seems off or selfish, really does pay off in the end, and you'll both be better for it. When "they say" marriage is WORK, they're not kidding around. This is serious stuff. Taking it lightly is not an option.
I love you, Wayne.
Thanks Meghan, for the timely reminder. Whenever Josh and I put time aside for a heart-to-heart it increases our intimacy and love so much! My whole world seems brighter. But it has to be intentional, these times don't just happen on their own. We've even learned to email each other, since our time is quite limited - who would've thought? But it's a way to connect that works with conflicting schedules. It's so good to reflect on the gift we have in our spouse and to praise God for our marriages! You're right, marriage is hard work, and so worth it :)
ReplyDeleteHi there, I found your blog through Shawna's and thought I would drop you a comment to say congarts on your little baby! What a exciting time for you and your husband!!! You will be in my prayers as you enter into this season that you will experience a sense of peace, love and strength. Can't wait to read your updates! Bless you and your precious family!
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