Week 8: Love Your Wife As Christ Loved, Part 2

Christina and I were made for each other. It was God's plan that we would go through this life side by side, on mission together to worship and glorify Him. And, I wouldn't want it any other way.

Knowing all this, I still sometimes ask God about marriage, "Why did you make it so difficult, Lord?" I don't know any couple that's been married for more than a few years that wouldn't agree that marriage is difficult. To have a marriage that survives and succeds, you need two people who are willing to work hard at it. A good marriage isn't built in a week. It requires a life-long commitment.

The primary thing that I take away from this week is a desire to communicate better with Christina. I'm task oriented, quiet, and introverted. My favorite Elvis Presley song: "A Little Less Conversation." I can force myself out of my shell for work, at church, or in other social situations. At home, however, I often retreat back into my shell, and I tend to deal with problems alone.

Christina, on the other hand, is relationship oriented and is always eager to talk through things. Obedience to God in my marriage means moving in Christina's direction a bit regarding communication. She's asked me to listen better and express my feelings to her more frequently, and I want to respond to that.

It's not all about "conversation." I've been thinking and praying about the assignments Christina gave me this week. I've been trying to hear what her heart is saying to me through this week's to-do list. I think maybe what her heart is saying is that she's longing to engage with me in a deeper way. She wants my focus and attention more often than she's getting it. Hopefully, this week was one small step in the right direction.

Christina, love of my life and my most faithful blog reader, is there anything you would like to say to whoever is reading this? Here is your big chance!

Okay, so this week for me has been FUN! I mean who does not want to be told how amazing they are every day, get foot rubs, go out on dates,and more?? Sign me up; I am IN!

This week I have to give Nathan a great deal of credit! He did everything I asked, and more! I felt treasured, loved, important, and so much more. He even listened when I went on and on in conversation, which is challenging for anyone, let alone my quiet hubby! My goal was for him to understand me in even deeper and new ways, to try to understand what makes me tick! I think we are on our way! It is not going to happen in a few days, or a week, but this past week was great, and a big step in the right direction! I am excited to see where God takes us as we continue on this journey, as we try harder to speak the other person's language, and stretch ourselves in new ways! I pray that I also will grow in this process, as Nathan asks me to look deeper at what I need from him. I pray I can do the same for him! I am looking forward to the coming weeks and months as we continue down this path.

On a final note, I cannot forget Nathan's trips to the local DQ for much-needed ice cream; our daughter NEEDS ice cream! So I am going to go now and enjoy some quality ice cream time with my amazing husband!

Gee, thanks, Babe. Next week, I'll be focusing on the Lord's supper. Until then, grace and peace to you.