Drum roll....
Happy 90th Birthday, Ethel!
Isn't she a doll? Yes, this past weekend we celebrated my grandmother's big 90th milestone. Just ten more years until she's on Willard Scott's birthday list on the Today show. Listen...I wouldn't put it past her. She's as strong as an ox. And I am so proud of her.
Look at her laugh. Love that. You can imagine how busy we were. Then, shortly after the party, I packed up and left for a quick trip out of town. I thought Brent might have time to write the Love Dare #5 Reflection. Umm. Not so much. Three boys, homeschooling and holding down the fort doesn't do much for the ol' blog.
Brent...thank you for letting me have a night away to seek the Lord. I love you.
So. Let's reflect, shall we? As I am feeling so warm, fuzzy and refreshed. I just could NOT wait to get back and write. Such an outlet. I am so thankful to the Lord for this blog. Mmm. No sufficient words.
Love Dare #5 Reflections: Forgive...*Big Sigh*
Pray through your areas of wrongdoing. Ask for God's forgiveness; then humble yourself enough to ask you spouse for forgiveness as well. Whatever you haven't forgiven in your mate, forgive it now. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to "forgive us our debts," each day we must ask Him to "forgive our debtors."
It is a very humbling thing to pray through my "areas of wrong doing." Although Brent and I are not explosive people with layers of sinful behavior towards one another, I don't ever want to live as if I don't wrong him. Because I do.
One of my biggest wrongs is quiet. Subtle. Unfortunately, my wrongdoing has become culturally acceptable.
The seemingly, non-offensive sin of Unthankfulness.
Brent is a servant-hearted man. So giving. A leader. A manly (go backpacking in 25 degrees) man. He takes great pride in making young knights of our little boys. He pursues the Lord with intent and fervency. He cherishes me. Honors me. He treats me delicately and with delight.
Now, do I treat him as he deserves? Not always.
It is so easy to focus on what he does wrong (which is truly minimal and always unintended on his part) verses all of his overwhelming good qualities.
My upbringing created in me a natural disposition towards pointing out wrongs. My mother, always quick to correct. Ready with a word to improve me. I learned this trait from her very well.
Brent doesn't need to hear my opinion about everything. Sometimes he just needs my listening ear. A supportive wife.
My "expressed opinions" are often my passive way of saying..."you really should do "that" my way. Your way is not good enough for me."
**Brent, forgive me for my unthankfulness. Forgive me of my pride. I am so honored and thankful to call you my husband. **
"The truth is, our whole lives should be lives of continual thanksgiving. Paul told his audience at Athen's that "[God] himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything" Acts 17:25. Everything we are and have is a gift from Him. Taking for granted all the temporal provisions and spiritual blessings that God has so richly bestowed on us, and so failing to continually give Him thanks is one of our 'acceptable' sins." Respectable Sins, Jerry Bridges.
Lord Jesus, forgive me for not living in a continual state of appreciation. Everything I am and everything I have is from you. Forgive me for my lack of gratitude. Forgive me...I take for granted so much. I am thankful for you, Jesus. I bless your name.
I'm not so good at being thankful, either! I definitely appreciate all that he does, but I don't tell him that I feel that way. Your grandmother looks amazing for 90!!
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