Managing Marriage

By Pastor Steve

There is much on my mind this November in regards to Thanksgiving. Yes, I know that Thanksgiving Day happens every year on the fourth Thursday of November. This year seems just a little different (not just that it is really late in November). Immanuel has taken steps to relieve the ongoing stress on our budget that various utilities can have. We have interviewed, prayed, and discussed possible growth opportunities. Our Mission and Ministry Council continues to review recommendations and prepares to present them before the congregation to determine how we walk together as the body of Christ. I have seen devastation from hurricanes and I have seen the active work of the Body of Christ working to rebuild and restore! Members generously give gifts, treasures, and time in order to bless others. Volunteers are stepping into ministries and more people being the church rather than saying “Someone else can do that.” There is so much to be thankful about that it has left me counting the many blessings I see!

As I look at all the rich blessings showered down upon us from heaven, I can’t help but realize that I don’t always live life with this kind of thankfulness in my heart. Amid the mix of business, advertisements for things that will make my life better, and political ads degrading others to make their positions stronger the gratitude gets clouded! I must confess to you that in my home, in my relationships, in my ministry, and even in my marriage I don’t always see the things that I should be thankful for. In fact, there are even times when I begin a tally – a scorecard – in my mind of all the things I do for others that they should be grateful for. I run a list that begins to look like a check register. Once my wife has made enough deposits, then I will be kind and meet her needs (as long as they don’t require more than what I have received). This scorecard is a dangerous thing because it will sap gratitude from my heart and erode love from my life.

A better way of living in marriage, or any area of life, is to live a life of thankfulness. Paul commands us to overflow with thankfulness (Colossians 2:7). This is especially true of the marriage relationship. Strive to look for things to be thankful for. If you have not been doing this very well, let me warn you that it will be difficult. Trust me, and keep looking! Soon it will be overwhelming when your eyes are opened to see all the things you have to give thanks for (a child picking up a toy, a loved one calling, a simple meal, a kind word, a thoughtful gesture). We have much to give thanks for in marriage, we just need to refocus our eyes off the struggles of this world and back onto the blessings that richly abound from God’s generous hand! May this really be a blessed Thanksgiving and a great time to count your blessings!!

As for me, it starts now! Rachel, I want to say thank you for the many ways you bless our family, enrich our days, and give of yourself to so many! Thank you and I love you!