Clean Sheets and Rainy Nights

By Donna Martin   #happytogethermarriage

“Turkey and dressing always tastes so much better when it is leftovers,” I thought as I snuggled under the clean sheets on my bed.  “I am so thankful for nice clean sheets,” I said to Mike.  “Aren’t we fortunate to be able to have a comfortable bed with clean sheets?  So many people don’t even have a bed to sleep in.”  A gentle rain began to fall.  As I listened to the raindrops hit the window and the soft rumble of thunder in the distance I felt so content.  I was thankful for these small things that I often take for granted – leftover turkey and dressing, clean sheets and the rain.

It would be so pleasant if I could always be as content as I was on that cozy rainy night.  Our home would be filled with less stress, less tension, and less worry if only I could always be content.  I am sorry to say, however, that many days I fail miserably in the contentment department. 

Too many times couples look to their spouses to find contentment and fulfillment. They want their spouse to make more money or help around the house, or lose weight or stop snoring or to be more romantic.  They start comparing their spouse to other people’s spouses and their marriage to other people’s marriage.  They want their spouse to change his or her behavior.  We need to remember that the only person we can really change is ourselves and that true fulfillment comes only from trusting God.

Instead of dwelling on the imperfections of our spouse or our marriage, what would happen if we started looking at our own traits and behaviors?  What if we changed our attitude to one of gratitude?  What if every day we looked for the good traits in our spouse and for the good things about our marriage?  What if we changed our words of criticism and complaints to compliments and encouragement? 

Paul stated in Philippians 4:12 “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  Paul’s secret was trusting in God.

Too many times people fail to trust God when it comes to their marriage.  God is strong enough to handle any situation in our marriages.  Trust God.  Start praying for your spouse every day.  Ask God to guide your spouse’s decisions and actions.  Ask God to help you be a better mate.  Thank God for the blessings that He has given you.  Learn the secret of being content and trusting God.

The Martins currently present “Happy Together” marriages seminars for churches and organizations.  To schedule a seminar call Michael at 940-735-1515. They also publish a weekly “Happy Together” Blog about family and marriage issues.  You can order copies of their new books Dancing With Death and 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14,610 Days of Marriage, read, and subscribe to their “Happy Together” Blog by logging onto the Martin’s website at www.happytogethermarriage.com.