Unless you've found some kind of an 'exemption from marital strife' clause that I don't know about (and if you have and failed to share such a thing with me, shame on you!), you are fully aware of the feelings that go along with being hurt by the one person you love and trust the most. Dave and I recently visited that dark place. It's uncomfortable, it's lonely, and it forces you to make tough choices. Grown up choices. Love is a series of intentional choices to open your arms, lay down your defences, and forgive.
Sometimes we make the right choices, other times we hold on to our 'rights' with every thing we have and pride hinders true healing. As Dave and I work through some forgiveness issues I am realizing my own shortcomings. That puts my hurts in a different perspective. If God chose to love me while I was steeped in the very sin that he can not even look upon, then how can I do any thing less?
As we began to climb out of the dificult place, where we each earned our own set of hurts and dissipointments, I wrote Dave a letter, expressing my feelings. It ended with this:
You are a man of honor. You are a man worthy of my respect. You are a man who will always make mistakes while living here on earth. I am a woman who can't seem to stop making mistakes. Let's just love each other right there sweetie. I am the broken woman who is reaching out to always love the broken man whom I have committed my life to.
"I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. I've got an eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. So let's keep focused on the goal, those of us who want every thing God has for us. Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it!" Psalm 3:12-16 (The Msg.)
Grace is a beautiful thing. This song speaks volumes to my heart. (Scroll down and push pause on my project playlist music)
Speaking of intentional, I have been listening to Randy Carlson on being intentional in everything we do, all area's of our lives doing with intention. Grace is an amazing thing that we don't always give or recieve easily. We have been doing a study at our couples sunday school class on grace with Phillip Yancy. Can I say amazing? I will pray for you and Dave and know all will work for the good of the Lord.
definitely resonate with you on this one (and need to hear it). oh how refreshing it is to be reminded that no one has a perfect marriage...that all sin is common to man...and to be reminded of the truth that God has forgiven my sin and chosen to love me regardless of how far i fall short...
I feel like I am always saying "beautifully put" to you...but it always is!!! Sums up what marriage is...imperfect people, loving each other and forgiving each other...it's what makes it work...and makes it wonderful. Kudos to you both for dealing with the "stuff" :)
Happy Weekend!
PS - I just saw your mom and dad in the town they live in at p.Ranch :) They were going out for her birthday. She is so sweet...and she told me about the dvd you sent, she LOVED it :)
Oh, I love that. How true all of your words are. Marriage is the most wonderful and difficult relationship. I think without those dark, difficult times we wouldn't full appreciate the good times. Thank you so much for sharing.
What a beautiful post. Wendi, your writing is lovely. I know you question it sometimes...all writers do...I cringe over some of the things I've written, even recently. I love your honesty and that your writing reflects a heart who communes with its Father.
Ohhh marriage is hard. So hard. yet so beautiful...I think that is why the diamond became the gem of choice for the engagement ring...well not really but it is appropriate. I will say a prayer for you during this struggle. I am thankful that you and your husband know the Lord and are serving Him and not giving up on His promises to you both and your promises to each other.
Thanks for chosing to ACT not REACT! Remember there is love and grace in abundance when you let if flow THRU you from God. We are only limited on our love and grace stores when we draw from our own "reserve"
marriage does have it does, good and rough... and love your note to him. He is a man you have chosen worthy to respect, and Lord knows I ball up sometimes too....
thank the Lord we have been blessed with Godly men... I know I for one am so so greatful.
8 comments:
Speaking of intentional, I have been listening to Randy Carlson on being intentional in everything we do, all area's of our lives doing with intention. Grace is an amazing thing that we don't always give or recieve easily. We have been doing a study at our couples sunday school class on grace with Phillip Yancy. Can I say amazing? I will pray for you and Dave and know all will work for the good of the Lord.
definitely resonate with you on this one (and need to hear it). oh how refreshing it is to be reminded that no one has a perfect marriage...that all sin is common to man...and to be reminded of the truth that God has forgiven my sin and chosen to love me regardless of how far i fall short...
I feel like I am always saying "beautifully put" to you...but it always is!!! Sums up what marriage is...imperfect people, loving each other and forgiving each other...it's what makes it work...and makes it wonderful. Kudos to you both for dealing with the "stuff" :)
Happy Weekend!
PS - I just saw your mom and dad in the town they live in at p.Ranch :) They were going out for her birthday. She is so sweet...and she told me about the dvd you sent, she LOVED it :)
Oh, I love that. How true all of your words are. Marriage is the most wonderful and difficult relationship. I think without those dark, difficult times we wouldn't full appreciate the good times.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Sarah :)
What a beautiful post. Wendi, your writing is lovely. I know you question it sometimes...all writers do...I cringe over some of the things I've written, even recently. I love your honesty and that your writing reflects a heart who communes with its Father.
Ohhh marriage is hard. So hard. yet so beautiful...I think that is why the diamond became the gem of choice for the engagement ring...well not really but it is appropriate. I will say a prayer for you during this struggle. I am thankful that you and your husband know the Lord and are serving Him and not giving up on His promises to you both and your promises to each other.
Thanks for chosing to ACT not REACT! Remember there is love and grace in abundance when you let if flow THRU you from God. We are only limited on our love and grace stores when we draw from our own "reserve"
this is a beautiful beautiful post...
marriage does have it does, good and rough... and love your note to him. He is a man you have chosen worthy to respect, and Lord knows I ball up sometimes too....
thank the Lord we have been blessed with Godly men... I know I for one am so so greatful.
The Lord reserved a spot for me on the forgiveness train this week too...
Post a Comment