Reliving my Regrets…..or Not

James 3:2, "Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way." (NLT)

I was pulling out all of our Christmas stuff tonight and came across a box of memorabilia from our wedding. I nostalgically looked through the box and came upon our wedding video. Now most people would think awe how sweet, but there is a story to our video. You see, I had had a VERY stressful morning and drove myself and some of my bridesmaids to the wedding late. I parked on the wrong side of the church and then had to dodge arriving guests as I dashed past the alter in an attempt to make it to my bridal room. Needless to say my stomach was in knots and tears flowed from my made up eyes. All of the craziness and stress ended there and I ended up having a beautiful, magical day that I will never forget! However, when the video guy came around to interview me I was so unprepared that I blabbered how this started out to be the “day from hell” Yes!! I said that!! I immediately felt bad for what I said but for some reason didn’t mention it to the video man and of course that is the end of that story. We never showed our video to anyone and had even purchased copies for our families that were never given.

               This is not the first and I’m sure won’t be the last time my big mouth gets me in trouble. I struggle with this, anyone else? Though this problem persists I see it getting better daily as I stay in step with Jesus. The bigger problem I have is the guilt that comes along with the statements. I have a very hard time letting myself off the hook. Thank God I have a gracious husband who encourages, forgives, and loves me through this! I have said hurtful and rude things to my children also. That is the hardest for me to forgive because I felt the pain of harsh words as a child and I know the damage they can do. The one thing I didn’t have is a sincere apology to go with it.

               Moms, I don’t know your story but I know we all fall short of the Glory of God. When you do, and you will, stay humble. Your child’s spirit is on the line. This may not be easy and man is it a humbling experience but when they see that you make mistakes too and that you are willing to submit an apology to them it will impact them more then you can imagine. I have admitted my wrongs to my children. I have very humbly come before them and I have watched the fruit of them humbly coming before others when they are wrong. I have seen a crushed spirit rekindled from a simple sincere apology. And the guilt has lifted from me in those moments along with a stinging reminder not to do or say that again.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father we come before you knowing that we are not perfect. We ask that you would help us to be filled fresh with Your Spirit daily. That our thoughts and words would reflect who You are. Please help us to humble ourselves in the times we give in to our flesh and say or do the wrong things. Help us to fight our pride and ask for forgiveness to those we hurt and thank you Lord for the eternal forgiveness we don’t deserve but You so graciously give. In Jesus name . Amen!

Your Best Friend!

The prevailing theme the Lord has placed in my life since the first weekend in March has to do with our marriage.  I truly believe the best gift we can give our children apart from a strong spiritual foundation is that we love our spouse.

Some of the thoughts or questions I have been dealing with include:

1.    What am I “making light of” that is important to Greg?  For instance: he wants me to go with him when he is playing basketball and watch from the stands.  My knee-jerk response is to roll my eyes and shake my head. Responding with, “who does that?”  And, “why would he care?” Those questions don’t deserve my attention or an answer.  The answer is: this is important to Greg, so I need to make it important to me.

2.    He needs a companion.  For the very reason Adam needed Eve.  Genesis 2: 18 says "Then the Lord God said, It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." Greg needs me.  The reality is we all need companionship.  What a blessing to be wanted!

3.    We seem quick to look for ways to make others lives easier, I need to look for ways to make Greg’s life easier.

4.    What does humility look like in our marriage?  Am I truly acting on serving Greg?  Do I consider what is better for him before myself?

5.    As we heard in the Real Marriage Conference, Am I being the friend Greg needs?  Would he say I was trying to be his friend? Or more specifically, Am I trying to be his best friend?

6.    Am I praying for Greg, seeing him as a brother in the Lord? Praying for him to love the Lord with all his heart, to seek the Lord, to obey the Lord and to stand firm in the face of temptation?

Girls, instead of focusing on our parenting this week, lets try focusing on our marriage!  Pray and ask the Lord how you can be a better wife and friend to your husband.  Lets really evaluate at the weeks end if parenting seems more smooth when our marriage is attended to.

Enjoy your Best Friend this week!