Let's Talk About It

"The Lord said, 'If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.'" Genesis 11:6,7

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome in a marriage is lack of communication. It can stop us in our tracks. When we meet that certain someone and realize the feelings we have are mutual there are never enough words to fill the air. We spend our days thinking about what we are going to talk about and nights talking (on the phone most times) for endless hours. While dating the blissful moments are spent gazing into each others eyes speaking words of the heart. We laugh, we share, we dream. Then we marry.

What happens you might ask? Well, like in the days after the flood and the people spoke one language they worked together, strategized as a team and set goals of building and pursuing a world they wanted to live in. Never seeking the Lord to show them what His will was for their new life and striving to make a name for themselves; receiving all the glory.

If marriage was a bed of roses all the time when would we reach out to Christ to be our source of help? Spouses misunderstand each other daily like trying to talk to one another when under water (Have you tried that before?) not always easy. Communication problems are nothing new, just like the people at the tower of Babel had to deal with them, so do married couples today.

For many years when Dana and I would have a disagreement I would rather turn and run to our bedroom and let the slamming door do my talking (not my best moments). I would rather sulk and pout than talk it out. If I thought he wasn't living up to my expectations instead of calmly speaking to him about it I would hold in my feelings, letting them stack up and build momentum until I couldn't hold them in any longer and they would come spewing out at the least little thing. Life with me was a roller coaster ride of emotions for many years but thankfully the Lord never gave up on me (and for giving Dana the patience of Job). God has brought us a long way, and for that I am so grateful.

Certainly the world would be a simpler place if everyone spoke the same language, and marriage would be easier if spouses always understood each other. But if you spoke the same "language" and always agreed with each other, your marriage could become very boring. If marriage and our communication always came easy we would be tempted to take all the credit instead of giving it to God.

As a married couple we must seek to understand one another; we are always growing and changing and through this we have the opportunity to trust God in a real way that honors Him. With the Lord's guidance we can build a loving, genuine and kind relationship that demonstrates to others the reality of God's grace and goodness.

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, Thank You for growing and changing me into the person You would have me to be. Give me what I stand in need of to be a good communicator to my husband. Bless our marriage and may it bring You glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.