CONCEPT – SACRIFICING FOR OTHERS (Day 1 of 7)
Paul has always struggled a bit getting to sleep. I fall asleep when I close my eyes. Common sense and general kindness means we do what makes it easier for Paul. As long as I get my eight hours, I don’t really care what schedule we keep.
I struggle working in the heat (probably from my years of living and working in the Texas heat, I’m so done with that) so I do most of my outside work in the morning or late afternoon when things cool off. Paul is kind enough not to ask for significant help outside in the afternoons (now and then he needs a two-minute extra hand).
This sort of thing is pretty understandable. We bend to each other’s needs and wants. It’s kind and rather practical.
My question today is how do we apply this sort of thing to emotional, relational, or spiritual issues in our marriage (and other relationships)?
If one of my friends bothered Paul, we’d have a discussion about it and try to find a way for me to keep my friendship and give Paul space. Nothing wrong with meeting a friend in a coffee shop. If he held concerns, I would meet with that friend safely (more discussion) or consider dropping the friendship.
I think this is where I’m going with this. When do you sacrifice for your spouse over those things that are more emotional, relational, or spiritual?
There are plenty of scriptures about putting others ahead of yourself or sacrificing for another’s good.
In part, I’m talking about balancing healthy individual needs/wants and being willing to let something go out of love for your spouse. (If this happens over many things, it’s time to get third party help, but in the normal scope of life this sort of thing comes up now and then.)
Give this some thought today. Where do we “give up our rights and privileges” as a way of serving our spouse (and others)? Where is it a healthy Kingdom thing to do? When and where can it become unhealthy?
Linda, the other MIL on our property, gave me some borage starts.
They’re great for pollinators and will have blue flowers when they bloom.
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Image credits – couple talking © Toa Heftiba / Unsplash, borage © Annette Meyer / Pixabay
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