Love and Appreciate One Another

When was the last time you thought about what you loved most about your loved ones? Or, the last time you looked at your spouse with fondness and admiration for what is good about them instead of what isn’t? When was the last time you looked at your child and thought about how much joy they bring you, instead of focusing on the frustrating quality of their age appropriate tendencies?

The truth is, it’s so easy to move through life focused on everything that’s wrong instead of everything that’s right. When we look at those we love, we often see their weaknesses with such clarity, almost as if seeing them through a magnifying glass and strengths are hardly visible, as if seen through a cloud of smoke.

We must remember that God has brought us all into this world with a different set of gifts, on purpose for a purpose. We are all different, no one exactly the same. He desires for us to love, value and appreciate one another so that we can work together for a greater good. But sometimes, we are too busy tearing each other down instead of building each other up.

If you know your partner is great at kicking back and having fun, but not quite as efficient at getting things done, then allow their relaxed demeanor to lead your family at different points throughout the day, rather than setting them up to fail by expecting him or her to be efficient at managing the household tasks. If efficiency is your strength, then take the lead on the plan to accomplish everything and let your partner take the lead on how to keep things relaxed as you go.

Thank each other for the gifts you both bring to your family, and to the world around you. Stay focused on the greater good that can exist between you, work together as a team, embrace your differences and remember to say thank you. In these ways, our family can become a strong foundation for His will to take place through us.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29