1. Mothers who think the man their daughter married is really not good enough for her or friends who “only want the best for you” and are certain that your husband is not the best – don’t reinforce this negativity, confirm the fact that God put you together and you will do great things as a team together in God’s kingdom. It usually will not take them long to get the message that you will not be influenced by them. 2. Teenagers who think they have a right to judge their parents and use their judgment as a form of manipulation – don’t ever be tempted to indulge in character assassination of your spouse with your children – all it will teach them is that manipulation does work. Always support your spouse’s decisions regarding your children, even if you think they are harsh or wrong – that kind of thing should be sorted out in your “safe place” when the children are not present. The way that you speak TO one another can also reinforce negative perceptions. Why is it that we think it is acceptable to be rude and abrupt to our life partner in a way that we never would 18
with a shop assistant who we may never see again? We affirm one another in the way that we speak TO one another by making the effort to be courteous and gentle with one another. It is not acceptable to shout at your spouse (unless they are about to run over your child with their car – even then “STOP” should suffice). It is also counterproductive to attack your spouse’s character because you are angry with them. It is much more helpful to be angry at and attack the problem, not your spouse (the person). M = MUTUAL AGREEMENT: This means that you should make a point of ensuring through effective communication that you both agree on anything and everything that is important in your lives. This begins with finding your “SAFE PLACE” and making sure that you spend effective quality time there. Your “safe place” should not only be the place you go to sort out problems and issues, but where you go just to spend uninterrupted time together sharing dreams, ideas, concepts and what God is saying to you. Try to make a date to spend a specific time there each week, that way things won’t get a chance to build up to a
Brides Essence.com - Issue 21 For your perfect wedding