40-Day Challenge: Hope (Day 14)
March 24, 201140-Day Challenge: Keepsake (Day 16)
March 26, 2011Begin with the Prayer of Abandonment.
“Our labor here is brief, but the reward is eternal. Do not be disturbed by the clamor of the world which passes like a shadow. Do not let the false delights of a deceptive world deceive you” (St. Clare).
Socrates once observed that the key to greatness is to be in reality what one appears to be. Perhaps there is no greater opportunity than marriage to attain this consistency of character. In the crucible of family life, it is impossible to hide one’s true self — with all its attending strengths and weaknesses — for long.
While there are times when this kind of transparency can be a welcome source of comfort. After all, the very nature of family is that they HAVE to love you, no matter what — it can also present some very real challenges. In particular, the fact that our spouses have seen us at our best and our worst, may induce a certain carelessness at times. It’s important not to confuse integrity with harshness or rudeness.
On our wedding day, we promised God that we would love, honor, and cherish our husbands till death. As a woman of integrity, what more do you need to be doing to keep this promise? How do you honor and cherish your mate in everyday life, in what you do and say?
- When he speaks, do you really listen and try to understand?
- When you speak of him to your kids (or speak to him in front of them), do they realize how much you love and respect their father — even when you disagree?
Today’s challenge: Make an effort this week to show with your actions how much you love and respect your husband. Connect with your husband during the day– a note in the lunch bag, a text in the middle of the day to let him know he is on your mind.
Today’s prayer: Lord, show me how to better align my words and my actions with my family. I want to be a woman of integrity!