שלום
Shalom ( שלום ) is a Hebrew word that has several meanings. It can mean hello or goodbye, and it also means peace.
My husband and I pursue peace in our home by keeping an atmosphere of kindness, patience, tolerance and love. Yes, there are times we get on each other's nerves, especially since we are both retired now, but we work at keeping peace a priority.
I was talking with a young married woman recently who asked how I cope with my husband not following through on projects or not picking up after himself. I told her this: I pray about it first, sometimes for days. Then I pick a time where I know we can totally focus on each other without distractions. I tell him what is bothering me, and he always responds with love and care. He apologizes and takes action to correct the problem. I do the same for him.
Now, does he ever forget that conversation and do the same thing again? If it is a major issue, no, he does not. If it's a minor issue such as piling up papers on his desk or leaving his shoes in the living room, yes, he sometimes does. That's when I say to myself, "How important is it?" When I compare this thing to all the other things he does for me, is it really that important? Most times, it's not and I just let it go. It's just not worth harping or nagging about it. It destroys my heart peace and my home peace. I just pick up his shoes and remind myself that he always opens the door for me, or that he makes coffee for me every morning, or he washes the dishes for me. His good qualities far outweigh the little things he forgets sometimes.
I make the choice daily to be thankful for my husband's many virtues. He does the same for me. We also speak of our love and admiration for each other daily. This goes a long way to create peace in our home.
When I focus on those things, the other irritations become trivial, and peace reigns in my heart and in our home. I also like to remind myself of this verse to remind myself not to nag:
A continual dropping in a very rainy day
and a contentious woman are alike. (Proverbs 27:15)
Next week, I'll share more about shalom. I'd love to hear how you pursue peace in your home and marriage.
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I'm linking up today with:
Spiritual Sunday
The Gathering Spot Link-Up
All Things Bright and Beautiful Link-Up
Modest Mom Monday Link-up
A Wise Woman Builds
Whole Hearted Wednesday
Wake Up Wednesday
Whimsical Wednesday
Hearts for Home
Favorite Things
Fab Creative Friday
Friendship Friday
Freedom Friday
I agree with you: we have the choice to be peace. That's so crucial. Things won't always go our way, but that doesn't have to destroy the foundation of peace and joy that we have in Christ.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that helps me in my marriage is to *try* to always give my husband the benefit of the doubt. Instead of assuming he intentionally left his dirty clothes on the floor for me to pick up, I assume he forgot. Not taking it personally goes a long way to keep peace in a home.
Lisa, you are a wise woman. You comment is helpful, and I'm glad you stopped by and shared it.
DeleteBlessings to you.