No Husband Left Behind
HIM & HER — Together (on the Same Page)
[Connect]
Identifying Priorities
Marriage is a “covenant” before God where both “him” and “her” come together for the betterment of “both” individuals. At times, one partner may seemingly have a “louder” voice or “stronger” influence. Please remain open to the idea that your Awesome God has great plans for both of you. Plus, the “man” and the “woman” have been created to work “together” with “equal” influence within the marriage and home.
[Part 1 – Topic]
When was the last time you asked yourself what you really want out of life? How about your marriage? The answer to these two questions is somewhat important, as they likely connect to the very “purpose” attached to “you”.
Maybe you should even ask your spouse the same two questions. “Love of my life, what do you desire most out of life? And our marriage?” Please do your very best to simply listen, and consider writing down the “top” must haves for both of you.
Taking some time to list and then prioritize both “his list” and “her list” is probably a great place to start. Remember, your Heavenly Father designed both His “sons” and “daughters” to have input.
[Part 2 – Problem]
If you have not already noticed, disagreement is bound to come to your marriage eventually. Setting aside some “quality” alone time for “listening” will be wise. Even if you find yourselves “arguing” or even “fighting”, make every effort to “listen” and “hear” what your other half is speaking from the “heart”.
Difficulty really comes to the forefront if and when you “discover” that both of you want two completely different things out of life. Before the “stress” escalates to a “knock-down drag-out” fight, maybe take some time to “remember” those times and places you two love birds “shared” and “enjoyed” in the past.
Perhaps another concern could be if one or both of you do not “accept” or “support” your life partner’s priorities. Maybe one or both of you have somewhat “selfish” motives, possibly stemming from those previous “alone” years of being “single” and only accountable to “yourself”.
[Part 3 – Solution]
If you have not already done so, please take a moment and list your “top” most important answers to the “two questions” listed above. Once completed, ask you loving spouse to make a “list” as well. After you both have a few very important items listed, then take a few moments to discuss them “together”.
Having both sets of “priorities” listed out is very important. Now you should look for some way to “support” and “encourage” one another. Both of you really should be able to obtain your “God-given” desires out of life and marriage. Helping each other should strengthen that bond between the two of you.
Two lists should eventually become “one” combined list where both of you are contributing to the “success” and “achievements” of “him” and “her”. Maybe some compromise is needed where conflicts arise, but remember to always look for that “win-win”, where both of you are able to truly “enjoy” life. And to enjoy it “together”.
From one who forever remains…
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo
Christian Community for Married Men and Women — (Knights) & (Damsels)