THE K.I.S.S. MARRIAGE- Unlock 5 Smart Things
Posted: November 4, 2015
Many of us have said: “If I knew then what I know now.” But I know I did my best at 30, during the hectic days of spending my days in the car running children to their endless activities. Then at age 40 with teenagers and career. And so on. As the grey hair emerges, shouldn’t all profound wisdom should be right on its heels? But that’s not the case. I love what Maya Angelou says: “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” So now that I am older and smarter what can I unlock to do better?
- Unlock – Give back to society. I was at a fund raising breakfast this morning where the speaker affirmed something that resonated. “When we contribute back to society our lives are healed and enriched. “ Every day I am more aware that selfishness is an empty, gnawing pit. I can’t expect my husband to fulfill my needs, or my children, my church or even my bank account. When I unlock ALL my love and pour it onto others-love, richness and fulfillment comes back to me.
- Unlock -Technology is wonderful but it can kill relationships. My husband and children are more important than the latest swoosh or ping on my phone. Get that phone off the dinner table and look someone in the eye and have a meaningful conversation.
- Unlock-Sleep is a great healer. The research on sleep depravation is a horrifying reality of how it robs us of energy, focus, passion, purpose and even our lives. When I get a good sleep I can look at the world and say: “Bring it on, I’m ready for anything.” I am nicer, can think clearer am more productive and just fun to be around. Lock down that i-pad and whatever is keeping you up late at night and embrace the wonderful benefits of sleep.
- Unlock-Time is our most precious commodity. I know…we talk about busyness and time all the time. But all of us are moving toward eternity at 60 minutes per hour, and 24 hours a day. We can always make more money, but we can’t make more time. We can’t re-live the moment and we can’t take back our regrets. I have deliberately been working on this for a long time but I am at a place in my life where time is very precious to me. I choose to unlock my time in a way that is healthy and rewarding and fulfilling. I choose to spend time with God, my husband, family, friends and those things that are important to me. Everything else has to go!
- Unlock-Generosity tells a lot about a person. I think we are afraid that when we give money, time or “things” away that we are depleting something in our life. In fact, it’s the opposite. When we unlock our selfishness and SOW “seeds of generosity” God will grow those seeds to REAP them back to us. I am drawn to generous people, generous churches and organizations. Not because I can get something from them, but because I know they have a huge and loving heart. And, they are wonderful to be around. When I am generous with my husband and give him the benefit of the doubt, or take time to listen, or show extra kindness….he pours double back on me.
- So now that I am smarter will I do better? My human state will want to pull me back to the default button of selfishness and comfort. I cannot do this without the power and infusing of the Holy Spirit. When I ask the Holy Spirit to help me to do better and be smarter I know God will help me unlock goodness. Why? Because that is how we are designed. When we pour out God’s love He will always refill us. God designed us to be enriched and fulfilled in our marriages and all relationships.
“A woman’s heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her.” ― Maya Angelou
