So some blogger types out there issue these “love him better” challenges. You know the go wash his feet type of things. Wear his favorite lipstick and put the kids to bed early. Well, not me. Not today.
Today my personal marriage challenge of the day is one I will issue to you too. We will do it together. You can send me all your emails on how great this challenge worked for you. Tell me how this technique saved your marriage. Are you ready?
Don’t kill him.
How was I inspired to such greatness you might ask?
A yard sale.
More specifically the pile of mounting stuff growing in our 2 car garage, barn and now van, that I am drowning in. That pile that is screaming “yard sale” at me.
And then picking a day for the yard sale. Setting up tables for the yard sale. Putting stuff out for the yard sale. Pricing stuff for the yard sale. Selling stuff a the yard sale that is actually happening right now in my driveway.
As fought my inner desire to smack him with the mini shop vac that I would have sold for $2, I decided it was time to retreat. A regroup was in serious order. So as I sit here reflecting and wondering where it all went wrong I have come to realize just what makes me want to poke him in the eye.
These are the things that infuriate me. These are the situations that call for an extra dose of the “Don’t Kill Him” challenge.
1. Treating me like a child.
Giving me directions like I have never done this before.
2. Treating me like I am dumb.
When my ideas are not valued or even heard I sit back and think what a foolish man to ignore my experience, wisdom and input.
3. Micro manage me.
ARRRHHH!! Looking over my shoulder and telling me how to do it right.
So I have identified the source. Now what do I do with it?
Walk away
In the moment that the butter knife is hurling out of my hand into his back I have found it is best to just walk away.
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Prov. 29:11
Over look
Yes, those things really, really bug me. I mean to the max. But sometimes it is best to just let it go.
Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. Prov. 19:11
Hush
My first reaction is to make my case, to convince him of my superiority. But even if I am right that isn’t what God asks me to do. He asks me to hush.
In the same way, you wives should be willing to serve your husbands. Then, even those who have refused to accept God’s teaching will be persuaded to believe because of the way you live. You will not need to say anything. Your husbands will see the pure lives that you live with respect for God. 1 Pet. 3:1-2
Pray
I need to pray. I need to pray for me. I need to pray for him. I need to pray for yard sales.
