Faith

This week I read a passage that has stuck in my mind, and left me thinking about a lot of things. It is in regards to the way that God can take our messed up lives and our imperfect efforts, and create something beautiful and meaningful out of it. 

"Yet God is orchestrating our lives to a greater extent than we appreciate. Faith invites us to honor covenants and not jettison a relationship because of continuing troubles. God honors those who honor their covenants."

That last line from H. Wallace Goddard's book, Drawing Heaven Into Your Marriage went round and round my mind as I pondered a few truths I was being taught. First, when put in that context, it really helped me appreciate more fully my covenants. It reframed them in a way that I can see them as truly the blessings they are. For instance, when I think about the marriage covenant, it reminds me that keeping that covenant will not only help me to live a more Christlike, fulfilling life, but when I do so, I am promised that God will have my back. He will help all my life experiences, self made messes and flaws to be the curriculum from which I learn my greatest lessons. And of course, marriage is where we have the most opportunities to practice. 

"Everytime we are inclined to drop out of a life commitment, God is inviting us to solve the unpleasant chafing by becoming more like Him." 

That passage jumped out as well. But as Goddard also shared, faith does not automatically make life easy. Rather, it makes the struggle bearable, and more meaningful. This resonates with me deeply and I started to ask myself the questions he offers, for when our partners say or do something we don't understand or bothers us. Getting curious is important, Goddard teaches. "I wonder why he feels or acts that way?" and "I wonder why that is important to her?" are questions we might ponder when we feel ourselves reaching an edge of patience and grace. Goddard also includes the remedy of getting busy with projects that we can do well at, and feel good about, and doing so with people who enjoy us. 

This week I'll be trying out some of these suggestions, and sharing my experience next week. I'd love to hear your experimentation as well!