Have you ever thought about what our children see in relationships? They are mirrors of what they see. They will duplicate without intervention of some kind.
The insides of homes are decorated with domestic violence, no fathers, or a new boyfriend every other week. They might display aging grandparents or step-parents carrying baggage from previous relationships. Many would be unclassified as unhealthy relationships.
Unhealthy relationships sprout faster than dandelion weeds, choking out the healthy ones, and blocking young one’s view. It’s no wonder unhealthy relationships repeat cycles, increasing at rapid rates.
This realization burdened me, and led to the nondenominational church we pastor to host a class for abused women, put on by Catholic Charities. Their title, “Sliding; Not Deciding” spoke volumes of truth. No one intentionally seeks out an unhealthy relationship – it just happens. It’s not something discussed to set goals on who to date, or how.
Interest piqued, I prayed about a solution, Ah, a positive post about healthy relationships might serve as a catalyst.
When reading information from American Psychology Association I noticed my husband and I had all, but one, of the attributes listed in the healthy relationship checklist. From this, I have created my own little tribute to him, sharing the many reasons I love him. After that, keep reading for my “twist.”
Why Do I Love My Husband? Let Me Count the Ways
You will notice a heavy dose of 3 A’s: appreciation, admiration, and affection, smothered on a foundation of trust.
- Men are doers, and I love what you do for me. After all, you’re my guide dog, a jack of all trades, my provider, protector, pastor, and father of our children, and father of our “adopted adults” in the community. Without you, I would never travel, find bathrooms, or frequent buffets.
- I love your honesty, humor, intelligence, compassion, perseverance, and ability to calm anyone and anything
- I love your ability to make God’s Word come alive in a way we need to live today. Your knowledge and memorization of the scripture is phenomenally impressive! Of course, your personal stories are the main attraction.
- Flirting hasn’t stopped . . . and won’t.
- I want to be just like you. Anything I can do, you can do better! You have great ideas, are super talented, and contain much trivia, as well as wisdom. Sleep isn’t a necessity for you.
- Disagreeing, or sharing my real feelings, isn’t scary. You take time to listen to me, yet love me enough to point out truths I need to hear.
- You think more highly of me than I view myself. This invaluable support spawns security, encouraging me to do more than I ever dreamed of.
- Affection didn’t dissipate. Hand-holding in the car, kisses before leaving the house, and public hugs multiple times a day speaks my love language.
- You cheer me on, rejoice at my successes, push when I need pushed, and hold me when storms strike. As a team, we share a vision, caring about each other’s work . . . planning together when possible.
- You are my BEST FRIEND. You prefer my company as much as I prefer yours. Without you, I am nothing.
- I am BLESSED to be “Steve’s Beautiful Bride.”
For more help on marriage, try my friend’s FREE 7-day course by clicking here.
Healthy relationships are vital to long life and wellness. Unhealthy ones not only destroy and harm yourself, but the next generation. By being intentional, you can improve your life, those you love, and those around you.
The worst part is we grow up basing relationships with our home life and transferring it to our understanding of God and Jesus. He, too, desires our affection, admiration, and appreciation.
Start today by making every relationship a healthy one, especially yours with Jesus Christ. It takes being intentional. If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ, contact me through the form above, and I’ll be glad to introduce you.
© 2020, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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