Marriage Blunders
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12
I made some big mistakes already this year (no surprise huh?). They were the type of blunders that start small, but then grow. By late March, our marriage was strained. At one moment of intensity, Glenna blurted out "Paul, I'm done with this ministry!"
The slippery slope started in January when I asked Glenna if I could work one night in the office. Soon I requested another night and then I told her that I needed to go to another neighborhood meeting. Spiraling, I quickly crossed our personal boundary of being away only 3 nights per week to being home only 2 nights a week. Something was wrong. Communication broke down. Thankfully God opened my eyes to this destructive behavior. Together we are now working toward change and the quality of our family life and marriage is gradually improving. (Glenna really does love The Boston Project!)
We are thankful for the example of both our parents who have dedicated decades to serving the Lord together. They are known for their hospitality and servant-leadership, often characterized by small acts of service, their love for people and particularly youth, and teaching others. Glenna and I are two apples that didn't fall far from the tree.
Recently, we have had the opportunity to share our journey with others, especially in church settings. The number of nods and side conversations afterwards with married couples with children made us keenly aware of how often we hide our struggles and stress related to marriage and parenting. It's an uncomfortable position to be in having to decline church activities or helping with pressing community issues; but for the sake of our marriage, we need to more often say "yes" to our spouse than to the requests of others. We need to pace and strengthen ourselves as for a marathon, and not speed as if in a sprint.
Please pray for us and let us know how to pray for you. Encourage us to elevate the place of our marriage. Those seasoned in marriage - take us under your wings and nurture us all.
