1. For the next 30 days, purpose not to say anthing negative about your husband -- not to him, and not to anyone else about him.
2. Everyday for the next 30 days, express at least one thing you admire or appreciate about your husband. Say it to him and to someone else about him.
It has been a great challenge (especially now that my husband is away for an extended period without any way of contacting him--oh Army life, how I love you!!) but also a great encouragement to carry on.
I have a wonderful marriage. I have a husband who loves and supports me; who listens, counsels, and encourages; who cherishes me like Christ does the Church. And I love him back. I love him with my whole heart; he's my best friend, my right arm, my go-to guy, my knight in shining armor. I am so very happy with him, and really, in every aspect of our relationship. I'm fulfilled and content. Complete. And it's a wonderful wonderful blessing from God alone.
But I know, that while my situation may not be that rare amongst my Christian friends, it is rare in the rest of the world. It's rare to have a happy committed relationship with your spouse. It's rare not to have any ongoing feuds or problem areas. It's rare not to argue and yell at each other. It's rare to have what I have. What we have.
But the truth is, it's easy to take it for granted.
Really? Is it?
But yes, yes it is. You get used to being this happy, this safe, this loved. And just think it's normal. But it's not.
It's not normal in this sinful world. And it's definitely not what sinful old Kathryn deserves.
But I have it. And oh boy, I have it in such a good and marvelous way, it makes me weep to think of taking it for granted. It cuts me down to my very core to think I have not daily thanked God for my spouse and our marriage. And to not have told my husband EVERY SINGLE DAY how much I love him and how wonderful he is.
So there you go. I'm taking on the challenge. And I urge you to pick it up too. Whether your relationship is in an upward spin or a downward spiral, whether it is just beginning, or hasn't yet begun, we all need challenges like this one.
Choose to build up your relationships. Choose kind words instead of negative ones. Choose to guard your tongue among others. Choose to let your loves ones know how thankful you are.
Choose. Choose. Choose. Pray. Pray. Pray.
With faith in Christ, nothing will be impossible for you.
