Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Love Dare - Day 3: Love Is Not Selfish

**If you are just joining us, please go here for Day 1**

OK y'all, is anyone doing this with me? No one has commented yet, I know there were a few of ya who wanted to, but I just need to know if you are. I don't mean to bug ya, just wantin' some accountability. Let me know ...

So, how is it going? Are you able to hold your tongue (and those rollin' eyes)? Did ya find a way to let your spouse know you care? Is there any part that you are struggling with and needing prayer for? 'Cause I got a story to tell ...

Hubby and I go on a date once a month (thank you Eric and Mary C.!!!), and EVERY SINGLE TIME something goes wrong. Here are just a few of the ways that we have spent our dates: in line at the Verizon store replacing my dead phone, at H&R Block doing taxes, at the church where hubbs was doing the sound for some one else's wedding rehearsal, at Wal*Mart shopping for Easter goodies for the church carnival, stuck in a blizzard induced traffic jam, etc.... You get the picture! We have often joked that the enemy just does not want us to have that special time set apart for US. Then we started this dare, and in the last two days I have gone to bed with a migraine (Mon.) and to the doctor with back spazms (Tues.). I am not clear on whether or not the enemy can attack your body, but I really feel that something is.

So, we are asking for major prayers to stay focused on this endeavor. We are bound and determined to keep with this and not let ANYTHING thwart us from becoming stronger in each other and in HIM. Can I get a witness?!?!?!?!

On the plus side, Hubby got to do a whole lot of kind things for me today, including setting out my fall decor in the yard and coming home early from work (6 hours early!!!) to save me since I could not even lift Sophie!!! My kind gesture to him was going to be making him a special dinner. I couldn't do it, but I told him what I had planned. And do you know what that wonderful man I married did? He made his dinner for me! WOW!!!

Did I marry well or what?!?!

OK, moving on ...

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves." Philippians 2:3

Today is all about selfishness. This can be a challenge, because it is hard to see selfishness in ourselves. It is something that we condemn in other people, but easily justify in ourselves. Do you put your spouse's needs first or your own ... a tough question to ask, huh? But one that we should be asking EVERY DAY. And not just about needs, but about wants and wishes as well.

Your spouse should feel that YOU feel that they are important. At least as important, if not more, than yourself. Making them feel MORE important is the goal. Keep that in mind!

Now, this is one where you are likely to be caught in the act. Someone that is with you every day, and used to seeing you want what you want when you want it, is likely to notice the difference when you suddenly start differing to THEIR wishes. And how much will they love THAT?!?!?! You might get caught, but I don't think they will be complaining, do you?


Today's Dare
Whatever you put your time, energy and money into will become more important to you. It's hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, "I was thinking of you today."


NOTE: if, like us, finances are tight or limited, feel free to tweak this a but, but you must give your spouse some kind of gift that is, in no way, a gift for you. Be UNSELFISH!!!!!

1 of ya left some love:

Kelly said...

Yes, I am with you, just a day behind. I am on day two today, but had to work and still trying to come up with something kind to do for him in the next hour or so. I am not having a hard time with holding the negativity, though. I agree. I think satan uses any oppritunity to attack. And wanting this to work is a great oppritunity for him to sabotage it. I applaud your attempt at this, stick with it. This is one of the most important thing you can do for your family.