Showing appreciation goes a long way, especially with your spouse. We often get caught up in our daily routine that we forget to let the ones who are close to us know just how important and special they are to us. Maybe you're good at doing that, but my husband and I...not so much. We're both extremely busy with work, kids, household stuff, bills, cars, etc. There is so much going on in our busy lives that we often do the unthinkable. Take each other for granted. An Innocent Car Ride This morning was a different day for us however. Right now my car is down so I had to take him to work so I could use his car. Since we had to spend some time in the car together, we got a chance to actually "talk", something we rarely get a chance to do. It was very nice and very much needed. He and I both got to reflect on the importance of letting the other person know their value in our lives. My husband and I have been together for over 20 +\- years. We've been through A LOT and we're still hanging in there. No our marriage isn't perfect. (Does one exist?). Yes, we fight, fuss and have disagreements. Yes there are days when I don't want to be around him. Yes there are times when he doesn't want to be around me. And yes there have been times when we both have thought the unthinkable - - you know what I'm saying. But honestly, at the end of the day, he and I both know that we wouldn't have it any other way - the good, bad and the iffy. Our need for each other is greater than our lives without each other. The Journey of Life After many of life's tests, I realize that my husband is my very best friend. Sure I have girlfriends that I talk to, vent to, hang out with and cry with. But really, in the end, I realize that it's my husband who's really got my back. He listens (sometimes), doesn't judge me, doesn't hold grudges against me, accepts my strengths, weaknesses, imperfections, stretch marks, faults, idiosyncrasies and loves me for who and what I am. I realize now and can fully appreciate the scriptures that admonish a husband and wife to cleave unto one another. God's plan for companionship in marriage was carefully orchestrated. He intended for spouses to rely solely on one another for foundational support in good times, bad times and the questionable times. Everyone else who comes into our lives are just to add to the great foundation that's already there. So, yes it's good to have friends and family, but your spouse is where your heart should be. A SOLID Foundation in God I'm glad that I have that foundation in my husband. He'll probably aggravate me or make me mad this afternoon, but he's still my anchor, my rock. I'm sure I'll spend too much money outside of the budget or burn his chicken, but he'll still love me despite my mistakes. I'm glad to know that our marital foundation is built on that real solid Rock that never fails either of us at any time, no matter how dismal things may look. Today I celebrate my marriage and the institution of a holy union. Only with God are these things even possible. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. So can we all. Have a great day! … [Read more...]