Today is one of the greatest successes of our marriage! We have keys! A major goal and work-in-progress towards retirement is happening. We did it! And it is beautiful!
My husband and I have had the best of the best and the worst of the worst but we are strong and devoted to one another. What has been our success thus far is perseverence, love, compassion, resilience, patience, and forgiveness. AND we love the quiet journey of success!
We have learned to apply good judgment. God has given us the blessing of rational minds and the ability to investigate. My husband is quiet and yet he is the best investigator into situations, persons, and places. God expects us to use these humbling characteristics in our decision making. This relates to all aspects of our life; persons, religion, children, grandchildren, employment, and medical decisions. Sometimes seeing on paper the benefits and drawbacks of possible choices helps to put things in perspective.
Most importantly, we consult God's word. When making a decision, we talk with each other, we study the Bible, we pray together, and see what God has to say on the subject specifically or in principle.
Many couples find that if both spouses are praying about a decision, God gives them a “peace” about taking one direction over another. This is so true for us and our friends that we are with as well. “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice” (Proverbs 13:10). We are not afraid to talk to other couples, a pastor, or a mentor about our decision. Sometimes others can see things more objectively than we can. This is especially helpful when we may have different points of view and can’t seem to agree or compromise (as it was when our goal first began).
When couples who share a Christian commitment come to a fork in the road, they usually want to know if their choice of direction reflects God’s will. Sometimes we are burdened by fears that we may miss the “one and only right choice.” But decisions aren’t always a matter of absolute right or wrong; sometimes they are about preference. If consulting Scripture and other mature believers doesn’t turn up a spiritual principle to follow, we can pick between two or more equally valid choices. In that case, the Lord promises to guide us; often invisibly and imperceptibly (I love this word) as we take our concerns to Him in prayer.
Remember the words of the apostle James: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
We are excited to begin our new adventure! Stay tuned!
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