Love Dare - Day 6: Love Is Not Irritable

OK, yesterday had the potential of being a tough one, so how did it go? Are ya still in this? Do you have what it takes to stay in it when the rubber hits the road? 'Cause I gotta tell ya, today is not any easier ... just warning ya!

Hubbs and I had a long talk about what "bugs" us about the other, and it was not a fun conversation, but it turned out to be a POSITIVE one. I hope yours was too.

And I hope you are ready, and willing, to keep going ...

"He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who captures a city." - Proverbs 16:32

Remember Snow White and the seven dwarfs? Weren't they cute? Doc, Bashful, Dopey ... all so sweet and cuddly. And then there was Grumpy. He wasn't so much fun was he? But, ya gotta know, Snow White loved him anyway. That girl was a champ, huh?

She's also a fairy tale character. Which means, she was not a real person.

'Cause in real life, being around a grump takes it's toll. And chances are, you know just what I am talking about.

Doesn't it grate on your nerves when you have to spend a good deal of time around someone who just seems to be aggravated all the time? How about even some of the time? Still not very fun is it? Now, imagine if you were MARRIED to that person. That would be even worse, would it not?

Now, and stick with me on this one, imagine if that person were YOU.

Now, given the fact that you are on this little adventure, I am willing to bet that you kinda want your spouse to, well ... LIKE you, right? So, this might mean taking a look at your behaviors and making a little effort to change some of them

I told ya this was gonna get complicated.

So, what causes a person to be irritable? Let's look at a few reasons ...

Stress - problems at work, or worse, at home. Money problems - the number one cause for divorce in this country. Fatigue - being just plain tired can make a person just plain GRUMPY! Selfishness - stinks to not get your own way ... does your attitude stink when it happens? Bitterness - being judgemental has a way of taking over. Jealousy - that neighbors new car? That new person at work? That new person at your spouses work? Pride - trying to protect the ego is a tough job. Time - just not enough hours in the day. This is a BIG ONE, ya gotta decide what is really important and what can be cut out of our schedules (or at least trimmed down).

These are things that, because of human nature, are going to happen in our lives. They just are, not much we can do about it. BUT, if we let love take over, maybe we can stop focusing so much on ourselves and not let it get to us quite as much. Maybe we can stay gentle and loving, especially to the ones we love. Because, real love tells us that the other person is what really matters on the end.

So, are you ready to face this one? I hope so, 'cause here we go ...

Today's Dare

Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life.

Now, remember that this is in addition to the other day's dares. You must continue to be patient, kind, unselfish, and not rude.

Keep it up, don't quit on me now, you CAN do this. And just think of the rewards that you and your spouse will reap when we are through!!! Remember, I am praying for you!