(Disclaimer: I can’t speak for the other ladies, but greatly feel the need to clarify something for myself. Do you ever read these devotions and think we are coming from a place of great wisdom? Well, in my case you would be much more accurate if you said it was wisdom that came from great foolishness.
I am that person.
You know that person, the one who thought it would be a good idea to shower and blow dry her hair at the same time. The one the label on your hairdryer is for. And, for me, writing these post for you is simply to keep you from my own faults and failings, or to encourage you along the way, when you’re that person, right along with me.)
Nothing says peace on earth and good will toward men like a fight.
Over a Christmas tree. (I’m not even going to approach the maturity issue here.)
But that is where my poor husband found himself on Sunday.
What should have been a fun, peaceful family event turned into, well . . . not that. Feel free to use your imagination here because telling you what really happened would be downright shameful.
I woke up Monday morning with a guilt hangover. After seeing my husband off, I sat down to hear from the Lord.
The minute He had my undivided attention, He took me to this:
This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. 1 Peter 3:5
I, um, didn’t want to accept the authority of my husband.
Over a Christmas tree.
I was immediately repentant and asked God how to not allow negative emotions to have a life of their own, quickly carrying me into sin.
His response: STOP.
S – Stop When we feel negative emotions begin to rise, when the anger begins to boil, we need to stop. There is nothing good that can come from going forward (just ask my husband!). We need a few minutes to gather ourselves in a manner that will glorify the Lord.
TO – Think Objectively At that moment I begin seeing red, I need to start thinking from my husband’s point of view. What is it that he is trying to express. What are his reasons for making the decision he just has? What is my own heart issue that is making me rebel against his decision?
P – Pray & Prioritize Peace The next thing I need to do is to begin praying. I need to pray that my heart will soften and my attitude will get in line. And then I need to make steps towards peace. While I’m not suggesting we be nothing other than mindless doormats for our husbands, we need to be the peacemakers that God has called us to be.
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18
While I joke about this argument over a Christmas tree, there was nothing really funny about it. It was ugly and painful. But, now I’m more prepared the next time my anger wants to take control.
Ladies, will you join me & STOP?
Blessings,
Barb
photo courtesty of: freedigitalphotos.net by Stuart Miles
Barb I am loving that you have shared this with us! I am willing to STOP too!! Love ya!!
and I think most of us have been there… and yes over a Christmas tree! 🙁
Nicole, you always make me feel like I’m in such good company. Thank you my sweet sister! 🙂 We can STOP together!!
It’s amazing how we look forward to the time of year to rest and enjoy our families. However, we always seem to get so easily distract with smaller details…Thank you for your honesty and sharing..STOPPING:)
Shalom and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
“Taking Heart” Psalm 27
I have noticed that I have not been “stopping” when my husband gets under my skin. Sometimes, I know I should, but I choose to fight back instead. I get so tired of his little jarbs that I want him to experience them too. But I am sure God could use my peace-making more. Thanks for sharing and the encouragement I needed to do this God’s way. ( I was actually going to talk to you about this, Barb!)
Brendon & Frances, so glad you will be joining me as we “STOP.” I feel like I am slowly but surely making progress & I hope that you ladies are as well. Little by little we will get there ladies! 🙂 Have a blessed Christmas!
p.s. Thank you so much ladies for taking the time to comment here!