A Challenge...

My husband and I are celebrating 10 years of marriage this year. It's been an amazing roller coaster with lots of twists and turns, but I can't imagine a better partner to be on this journey with :). He and I have a ton in common--we love to laugh and have the same weird sense of humor... We both have servants hearts and love volunteering... We both love music, although he is the musically talented one :))). 

But we are also vastly different. I am very Type-A and organized and he is super laid back and not very organized :). I am passionate about justice and see things as more black and white, and he is quick to let things go. He is a morning person and I am NOT.  

Found this little gem on Pinterest... Can you guess which one is me?

Our differences annoy me to death sometimes, but they have also saved us many times. Early in our marriage, we had an argument where I uttered eight words that have come back to haunt me over and over:

I am right 95% of the time. 

He had disagreed with me about something, and when I was proven right, I didn't just let it go.  Instead, I went on a rant where I proclaimed my "rightness". But, instead of getting mad at my arrogance and escalating the argument, my husband busted out laughing. When he was finally able to straighten himself up, he apologized for not realizing the extensive statistical research I'd put In to figure out how often I was right and he would keep that in mind the next time we disagreed about something. I couldn't help but snap out of my attitude and laugh too :). 

He's never let me forget that day... If I'm proven wrong about something, he will make a face and say... "Oh, honey... I think your percentage is dropping... It may be 91% now :). 

Ephesians 4:2 says, 

Be completely humble and gentle. Be patient. Bearing with one another in love. 

When I read that scripture, I'm instantly reminded of my husband. He doesn't possess my crazy need to be right. He's so humble and gentle. He is so patient with me and loves me enough to overlook my many, many faults. And he encourages me to be humble, patient, gentle, and love others.

Yesterday I told this story to a lovely group of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) ladies and I challenged them (and myself) to try and live Ephesians 4:2 this week.  I want to give YOU the same challenge.  Be Humble. Be Gentle. Be Patient.  Bear with one another in love.  Think about that person that gets under your skin better than anyone else... How can you be Ephesians 4:2 to them?  

Trust me, I know all too well how hard this challenge is.  I can go from calm to crazy angry in a nano second.  I hate that about myself.  But if we believe that God can do ANYTHING, then He can certainly change our hearts and help us to be more humble, gentle, and patient.  LET'S DO IT!!!

I hope your Tuesday is stellar :).