Greetings Prayer Warriors,
There are certain events that are inflection points in a marriage. One of them is parenthood. Going from “we” to “all of us” is an adjustment to say the least. Two-dimensional love grows to three-dimensions, which is beautiful, but then a third dimension of one’s personality appears and spouses can look at each other and say, “I never knew that about you!” (Good and bad) To keep the marriage on track, strong communication and sensitivity will be key, because the next two decades will be filled with landmines.
“Lovie, the baby’s crying.” Reply: Arrg! You woke me up to tell me?? (Choice words exchanged) Resentment may follow.
“Babe, I need you to drive carpool in the morning because I have a meeting.” Reply: “But so do I!” Difficult conversation to follow.
Honey, where’s Taylor tonight? Reply: “Went to a party.” Response: “Whose party? Where?” Reply: “I dunno. Didn’t ask.“ (Rage after stunned silence.)
Empty nesters. “Have any of the kids called lately?” Response: “No.” (Feel the emptiness.) What remains, two strangers or two lovers?
I declare and testify in the Lord that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance, because of their hardness of heart. Ephesians 4:17-18
Lord, marriage is such a blessing, and when children arrive, we praise your goodness! Help us to realize that on the path you place us, we will find all the opportunities (graces) needed to grow in holiness. You don’t ask for perfection, but holiness. May we not resist when you try to root out our selfishness, impatience, vanity, pride, and self-righteousness. Help us to grow in love, humility, kindness, temperance, patience, perseverance, and faith. May we not fear the potholes that jar us, nor resist the detours that change our perspective, and nor curse unexpected earthquakes that beg a change in our lives, for if we stay anchored to you, our Rock, nothing will shake us. We ask for a double portion of blessings on marriages with children. Despite our missteps, stumbles, and regrets, may we honor you as we progress from “I do!” to “I will!”
I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call. Ephesians 4:1-4
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Hope does not disappoint. Pass it on!
