WHAT IS IT?

Dan SeabornWas there ever something in your life that you really, really wanted? Think about what it is or was right now in your mind. To help you understand what I am talking about, I want you to think about it in terms of that thing you thought would bring you the greatest happiness. It could be a promotion at work, a new Corvette or a relationship. Whatever it is or was you knew once you got it you could say, "Ahhh! Finally! Complete!"

Then you get it and find out it only brings you temporary pleasure. A good example for parents is to think about all the toys you bought your kids for Christmas or birthdays, that they said they would die without, and yet you find these toys carelessly discarded just days after they were opened.

Recently there was something I really wanted. I saved up my spare bills and change, collected all of it together and finally reached my goal. Then I bought it. Well, it did make me happy, and I still enjoy it, but that drive I had to attain it and the passion I had to get it have disappeared as quickly as the money I spent to purchase it. For many of us, I believe we think the "its" of this world are what is going to satisfy us in our life, but then we sadly discover we are mistaken.

I'll compare it to getting a sugar buzz. For a short time after you've consumed that chocolate bar or dozen cookies, you are energized, enthusiastic, on top of the world, and then suddenly without warning, you crash. You feel tired, agitated and sleepy and you wonder what happened.

I think a lot of us transfer this same type of thinking to our marriages. If in our marriage, we could just get this thing or if it would come to us, then we think we'll be completely happy. But the reality is, choosing to be content with where you are right now, despite your circumstances, is what will bring you happiness.

You might respond with, "Dan, I'm in a terrible marriage right now. Are you telling me to be happy with this?"

Of course not. I'm cautioning people to avoid trying to cure their marriage problems by going out and buying a diamond ring or thinking that purchasing a new home or adding on to the basement is going to be the glue that cements a marriage back together. It's a Band-Aid at best that will eventually stop sticking once the adhesiveness wears off. It will serve as a temporary measure to stop the bleeding but it will not stick long enough to heal when there is a deep wound.

We are leading eyes upward. Watch one of our Godmercials, Relevent Docs, or Making a Difference.

What will make your marriage successful and bring happiness more often, is to recognize that the it in your marriage is the time and attention you put into it that will make it all that it could and should be.

So, I challenge you today to consider putting as much passion, drive and force into chasing love and peace in your home as you do the it that you want to buy to complete your home.

What is it that you need to do to make your marriage healthy and vibrant? It could be counseling for you and your spouse or simply choosing to spend more time together.

Whatever it is that will make your marriage win at home, I hope you find it.

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