Several years ago - single with a daughter heading off to college - I set my sights on the future. "What now?" I asked. My "plan" was to begin making arrangements for ensuring my now adult child had a good foundation so I could become a missionary to Costa Rica. You see, I'd made connections with mission organizations there after many visits and felt a strong pull to this country. Once my child was settled and on her way to supporting herself, my plan was to begin raising support and move.
Then along came Dave. Tall, handsome, Godly, loving, and more, all wrapped up with a big, fat bow. Seriously, now?!? Timing was not good for me, I had plans. But, as we learn over the years, God's plans are often different than what we expect. Dave was a hiccup in my plans, not God's. During heated discussions, I've actually said to Dave, "I was fine until I met you! YOU walked into my life and turned it upside down." Too funny!
As it turns out, Dave and I, together, have ministered not only to my daughter, but to two "foster" boys since we've been married. We've helped each other to grow and we have much more growth to experience. This man was obviously not my plan, but God's plan. He is a good, loving and kind man who is human. His personality is very different from mine as is often the case in marriage and we don't often agree. We are continually learning to compromise and work very hard at not judging each other (although, we need much more work in this area). There is also the temptation to seek fulfillment from the other spouse and we both surrender this need daily. All in all, marriage is a journey meant to exemplify Christ - we aren't there yet, but we are on an adventure hoping we sometimes honor God in our relationship. Someday, maybe we will honor God more often than not....maybe.
Like King David in the bible, Dave has a heart for God and like King David, he doesn't always hit the mark. But, this King David is mine and I intend to love him unconditionally, challenge him to be his best and serve him well for as long as the Lord allows, whether or not I ever live in Costa Rica.
Today's challenge: Look at your husband and note one quality about him. Note why you admire him for this quality.
Super challenge: Do this every day for a week or longer. Post (anonymously if needed) how your relationship is changing as a result.
Then along came Dave. Tall, handsome, Godly, loving, and more, all wrapped up with a big, fat bow. Seriously, now?!? Timing was not good for me, I had plans. But, as we learn over the years, God's plans are often different than what we expect. Dave was a hiccup in my plans, not God's. During heated discussions, I've actually said to Dave, "I was fine until I met you! YOU walked into my life and turned it upside down." Too funny!
As it turns out, Dave and I, together, have ministered not only to my daughter, but to two "foster" boys since we've been married. We've helped each other to grow and we have much more growth to experience. This man was obviously not my plan, but God's plan. He is a good, loving and kind man who is human. His personality is very different from mine as is often the case in marriage and we don't often agree. We are continually learning to compromise and work very hard at not judging each other (although, we need much more work in this area). There is also the temptation to seek fulfillment from the other spouse and we both surrender this need daily. All in all, marriage is a journey meant to exemplify Christ - we aren't there yet, but we are on an adventure hoping we sometimes honor God in our relationship. Someday, maybe we will honor God more often than not....maybe.
Like King David in the bible, Dave has a heart for God and like King David, he doesn't always hit the mark. But, this King David is mine and I intend to love him unconditionally, challenge him to be his best and serve him well for as long as the Lord allows, whether or not I ever live in Costa Rica.
Today's challenge: Look at your husband and note one quality about him. Note why you admire him for this quality.
Super challenge: Do this every day for a week or longer. Post (anonymously if needed) how your relationship is changing as a result.
Some day will come, but enjoy the journey in the meantime. After 32+ years of marriage, we are still refining our relationship as well as ourselves as God gives direction. But there is hope in the fact that staying that closely connected has also brought us to discover new things about each other and that's what keeps it fun and adventurous. :)
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