There was a time when my husband and I ate off of the dollar menu at McDonald’s. And when we slept on a mattress on the floor. When we opted for rabbit ears instead of cable to save money for gas. When we used popsicles to cool off in the summer heat because we couldn’t afford an air conditioner. We worked jobs we were over qualified for and drove cars that required too much maintenance. When we were finally able to buy a home, we spent years with empty rooms because furniture was just too expensive. Yet, we found joy in rolling around on the floor together and marveling at our new space. Although we were broke, we were still blessed.
Blessed to have each other.
Blessed to be healthy.
Blessed to have jobs.
Blessed to be in love.
Even though we no longer struggle to put food on the table or to pay our bills, we appreciate every cent that comes into the house. Every cent. We don’t take anything for granted, and we know that it is by hard work, faith in God, and love and support from each other and from family that we will continue to prosper.
Sometimes when couples make it through rough years””be they financial, emotional, or otherwise””there is a tendency to forget the past. Certainly we shouldn’t dwell in our history, but it’s important to remember where we came from. And it’s even more important to remember who was with us during the hard times.
Consider this:
When you are tempted to engage in an extramarital affair, remember the person who still loved you when your credit was bad, your car was busted, and your job prospects where slim.
When you are tempted to neglect your children, remember they still ran to meet you at the door even when you couldn’t buy the latest video games or sneakers for them.
When you are tempted to harbor unforgiveness and bitterness, remember the times you were forgiven, and more importantly, remember that God has forgiven you.
When you are tempted to place the opinions and feelings of friends and co-workers above your spouse, remember that those people didn’t vow to love you in good times and bad times. Their love is conditional.
When you are tempted to be self-centered and prideful, remember it took the two of you working as a team to get where you are now.
One of the blessings of being in a committed marriage is that you and your spouse can go through life together. Your experiences bind you to each other and bind you to God, which is part of what it means to be ONE. No one outside of your marriage will ever understand what you have been through together. You have a special bond like no other. So, every now and then, remember where you came from and remember who was with you through it all.
BMWK family, when you remember where you came from with your spouse, what are you grateful for?