Marriage Challange - Day 1 (7/22)

Part One (AM):

This morning I let Hubby Dear stay in bed while I fed the cats, put my waffles in the toaster and checked my email. This means that the sweet greeting we were assigned to give at the beginning of the day was postponed until he groggily walked into the kitchen. I actually think the effect was accentuated by his being at least partly coherent. All I said was "I love you," followed by "I'm glad you married me." The response was a little bit of surprise and "I'm glad you said yes." Not bad for a start, methinks.

Part Two (PM):

When I got home from work Hubby Dear and I went to work on the ribs we had for supper. As we were waiting for the grill fire to burn correctly, I told him that I am so glad the Lord brought us together the way he did. I also reminded HD how proud I am of him and that I am always on his side. Honestly, when I first read the assignment for day 1 I was a little skeptical. It seemed so unnecessarily mushy. It ended up being much less awkward than I had anticipated. In addition, I think it worked. Even just a few words can have an affect. :)

Marriage Challenge - Reality Sets in Early

Anytime I aim for some lofty goal, especially one that I feel is particularly tied to my spiritual well-being, I expect to meet some difficulty. I assume that some days will require skilled maneuvering to stay on track, I anticipate that at least once I will fall flat on my hiney begging the Lord for help. More of my life-altering experiences have occurred at my whit's end than anywhere else. So, I knew this was going to be an actual challenge. What I didn't know is that, as Providence would have it, the testing would begin early.

I haven't even made to Day 1 - this is Day 0 - and I am frustrated with Hubby Dear. We have had a misunderstanding/disagreement/argument that we somehow cannot reach a resolution on. I am left feeling a irritated, frustrated, and oh so right. All of these things make tomorrow morning's task appear arduous, none more so than the last on the list. However, I am determined to prevail.

This is what has played in my head:

1) Being right and being a kind, encouraging wife are not mutually exclusive qualities (code for "I want to justify my self-righteousness. I really like being right.")

2) Even though I feel right I was probably wrong in either an attitude or action (code for 'Okay Lord, I probably haven't been perfect either. But I'm still right.")

3) Why is being right so important anyway? (code for "What is wrong with me? This is ridiculous. Wow, I'm prideful.")

Hm. Number 3 got me.

I can't answer it.

My husband is a fantastic, hardworking man who loves more than I ever thought possible. He is thoughtful, does housework, fills my car with gas, goes shopping with me because he knows it makes me happy... the list goes on. Being right just doesn't compare. Suddenly (and through prayer all day at work) this feels easier to let go of. It really doesn't seem important.

Excuse me, I have a husband I need to go find and kiss.

Marriage Challenge - Day One (7/22)

"The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does
him good and not evil all the days of her life." Prov. 31:11-12

To refresh your memory...here's the 30-Day Encouragement Challenge...for the next 30
days:
* You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone
else, about your husband.
* Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your
husband...and to someone else, about your husband!

To help you get started, have you ever thanked your husband for "choosing you" above
all other women? He found you attractive as a person, and appreciated you. Though
many circumstances in your marriage may have changed, let your husband know that
you are glad God led you together, and that you want to be a blessing to him for the rest
of your marriage. Let him know that he can trust you to be in his corner.
One of the best opportunities to express your gratitude is first thing in the morning. How
do you greet your husband each morning? Is he confident in your love? Give him a
"wake up call" that he'll never forget-a big "I love you" and an "I'm so glad I'm your wife!"

By Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Published by Revive Our Hearts, © 2005.
Permission granted to photocopy in the exact form, including copyright.

Marriage Challenge

In general I try to be a good wife. I try to be nice, not yell, to listen even when I barely understand what Hubby Dear is talking about, and to do little things that bless him. However, I recently came to the realization that while I have been trying, it has only been an in-the-back-of-my-mind/when-I-think-about-it kind of try. In order to bring my attempts to forefront of my thoughts I am embarking on a quest. I am going to take Nancy Leigh DeMoss' 30 day Husband Encouragement Challenge. I am going to keep a diary of sorts, tracking each day to help me reflect and stay on track. I invite you to join me on this little adventure and let me know what you think as we work through this.

If you know Hubby Dear, I am not telling him I am trying this. I want to see how/if it affects our relationship with no outside influence. Thanks for keeping my secret!