Forgiveness Is the Key

Sometimes we believe that certain injustices are beyond forgiveness, that the wrongs we have experienced or that the people who have hurt us don't deserve to be forgiven. I love this quote by Corrie ten Boom, and I love her heart. Although she witnessed horrible and violent treatment, to herself and others, she still chose to forgive. She reminds us, even today, that forgiveness is a powerful tool to heal the heart of the wounded.

This is definitely worth remembering when we consider our own marriages and the relationships we have with those around us. Because the truth is: we all need to extend and receive forgiveness.

I hope that today you receive grace and forgiveness for the wrongs you have done to others and that you also extend grace and forgiveness to those who have hurt you. So that you may be free from slavery to bitterness, hatred, selfishness, and resentment.

A Forever Composed of "Nows"

I love this quote by Emily Dickinson, especially in relationship to marriage. It is a fantastic reminder that the wonderful, forever marriage we all long for is not something that just magically appears. It is a result of how we spend our "now's". It encourages us to consider, "How am I using the time I have right now?", because now is what matters.

 If it is the small moments, the large moments, and all of the moments in-between that build forever, how do we practically use those moments to build something wonderful?

Some ideas that come to mind (and remember many of these are simple because all it takes is just a moment) are as follows:

smile

hold his hand

say "I love you"

forgive

send an encouraging text message

 ask how you can help him

spend some quality time with him after he comes home from work

show grace

thank him for something he has done

What are some things you do for your spouse to help build a "forever" that is wonderful? I would love to hear.