Pride

I would say that my husband and I have a warm and loving relationship. We communicate well and we support each other in our times of need. We are continually learning what it means to be selfless in our marriage. But it hasn’t always been like this because marriage requires a constant effort. 

There were times that I felt unhappy and disappointed in my husband. He didn’t parent the way I did, he wasn’t committed to the gospel the way I was, or the way he communicated was all wrong. I let myself focus on all the things he was doing wrong. We didn’t have a horrible relationship. In fact, we were pretty content with the way things were but I still had these nagging frustrations that I wouldn’t give up. One day I was going over all the things that I thought my husband should be. He should be nicer to the kids, he should pick up after himself, he should be more disciplined and then it hit me. A small question came into my mind, 

“Are you doing all these things yourself?” 

Why the thought never occurred to me I don’t know. It was a rebuke. I should be focusing on myself rather than my husband’s faults. This was the beginning of a long and continuing journey to put off my own pride and love and cherish my husband for who he is. I have quoted H. Wallace Goddard in my previous posts. He is a Family Life Specialist and has written several gospel center relationship books. In his book, Drawing Heaven into Your Marriage, he says, “The natural man is inclined to love himself and fix others. God has asked us to do the opposite. We are to fix ourselves by repenting, and to love others.” I know it seems so opposite of what we are used to doing but I encourage you to take the challenge to let go of your pride. 

Love your spouse for who he is and work on changing yourself. 

After all, we are the only person we have control over. You won’t regret it. 

References

[Photo 1 Credit]: www.facebook.com/EatPrayWorkout. (2019, July 13). The most valuable quality in life, humility. Retrieved February 29, 2020, from https://eatprayworkout.com/humility/

Goddard, H. W. (2007). Drawing heaven into your marriage: powerful principles with eternal results. Fairfax, VA: Meridian Pub.