Scream. Fight. Say whatever hurts the most. Bring up the past. Really? Why do we resort to it.
I’ll never forget…telling a friend once: “I decided I wasn’t going to fight/argue anymore (with my husband).” She busted out laughing! Here I am “…what…I . .was . . Serious.” So she burst again in laughter. Goofy little story--for Sure. Really though, I’m so glad I made that choice. Not to say Kyle and I never disagree, or debate. .or come close to a fight (anymore). But-when you consciously make that decision, it makes a world of difference. You begin to do things like: Bite your tongue. Agree to disagree (and be o.k. with that!). Drop it, then try to discuss at a less heated moment. Die to self. …You get the idea. Oh, and . .pray.
Recently I have been specifically aiming to teach my daughter to be this. To be - genuine. 13(y.o.) and all the change that goes with it-I know it can be a struggle. As I try, a few weeks back to teach her this. . .in part am teaching myself too. Genuine. So important. Let me not forget.
Challenge: Go through the entire day pretending your dear friend is sitting in the kitchen. Or pretending there is a video cam that you and all your friends will watch together at the end of the day. Are you the same behind closed doors? Try it!
Do we really "Believe God" if we fail to live in His presence?
Proverbs 22:4
NIV1984
4 Humility and the fear of the LORD
bring wealth and honor and life.
I have benefited more than anyone from this decision, thank you for sharing this and thank you for living it. Nothing has been more frustrating than wanting to argue and have your spouse look at you and calmly say "I'm not going to argue". And may I add that nothing has been more beneficial to my growth in my relationship as well as helping me to work through the addiction to anger that so many of us men face. -Kyle
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