A dear friend recently left me a voicemail that said, “Hey Marilyn. Life has been going so well. I’ve been having a killer quiet time every morning, working out five times a week; I’m even ahead in homeschooling. I’ve got a fresh coat of paint on my kitchen walls, getting ready for family coming in…YEAH RIGHT, call me.”
I laughed and laughed, playing the message over and over. The funny thing is, we all are fighting to get to a place like that and frustrated we are not there. We are chasing perfection as imperfect people in an imperfect world. Are you chasing “the perfect marriage?” Stop! Let me tell you something.
The Perfect Marriage
If you’re looking for the perfect marriage, stop! Think about it. There is only One who is perfect, and He has already given us everything necessary for life and godliness. We either believe that and try to live by it or not.
We can walk in the imperfect, perfectly content. We can choose contentment—and even joy—right where we are. Why? Because our various situations have been set before us by a sovereign God who loves us and who will continue the good work He started in us!
Moment by moment, in the messes, in the struggles of life, we can choose to focus on honoring Him and loving those around us. Focus on the Perfect One, and love your imperfect spouse and children well this week. As I think about it, that might just turn out to be the perfect marriage.
Grace Marriage Mission
This week, think about an area of your life or a recurring situation in which you tend to get short with or withdraw from your spouse. Try to put your finger on what the true culprit is—does that full sink or constant pile of laundry make you feel like your life is in disarray? Do certain messes or undone “to-dos” make you feel unloved or unseen? Communicate these stress points to your spouse, and if necessary, confess your weakness and your need for help in this area. We all want to grow in the art of contentment, but it is so much easier with a teammate!
Focus on these verses:
John 10:10 > A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.
Philippians 1:3 > I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you…
2 Peter 1:3 > His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Marilyn Rhoads is co-founder of Grace Marriage.