BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE!
We are enveloped in a cold spell here in the Inland Northwest. Brrrrrrrrrrr! Bring out the blankets, hot cocoa and a good book; warm and snuggly calls out to us!
Have you ever felt that “weather change” in your marriage? You had hoped to get the warm reception when you came home from a tumultuous day at work. Instead, an icy blast met you at the door. Or, you finished the dinner dishes, and looked forward to adult conversation. Rather, a cold shoulder shunned you away from engaging. Thawing out these misunderstandings isn’t easy. But…a few words may have kept the cold out in the first place.
Surprise! They are NOT the words you may have initially growled, “Well, what about me? Aren’t my needs important?”
Perhaps they were ones that could have been said to God on the way home from your place of turmoil, like: “Lord, take my anger and pride. Fill me with your love for my family.” So, before you entered home’s door, your thoughts were unloaded into more capable Arms, or at best resolved. You could have been the steaming cup of cocoa for your weary mate. Or, here are a few…
“Will you help me with the kids tonight so we can have some time later to relax?” (Now that leaves anticipation for some comfort!) You could be the warmth your spouse needs on a numbing day.
Each are less than twenty words, but they can put anger where it belongs and invite solutions instead of strife. Gary and I often remind each other that we don’t do well reading each other’s minds. Just say it. (Kindly, we might add.) Try it, friends! Bonus…you may get a little of that warm and snuggly stuff later, too!
Join with us to keep the cold OUTSIDE of our marriages and use words as doorways to warmth and kindness in this one-flesh relationship—marriage !
Rootin’ for your marriage!
Gary and Gail Justesen
encouragers4marriages 