Be Nice

A scripture and a message: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted.” Ephesians 4:32 

Many years ago, my father’s only best advice before I was to get married said (with his broken English) something to the effect of: “Be kind to one another.” 

What I love most about Daniel is that he is tenderhearted. Make a careful inspection of your marriage. Observe the interactions within your home, and then compile a “to do” list (and a not to do list) as well. Pay special attention to the little things, which make such a big difference in a relationship.

Home maintenance requires a great deal of money, time and effort. A broken shingle must be replaced, a torn screen mended, a squeaky hinge oiled, a leaky tap fixed. Yet, how pleasant it is to live in a house where the roof keeps out the rain, the windows keep out the bugs, the doors swing freely—And never the sound of a dripping faucet is heard! While “love maintenance” does not require as much money, it does take a lot of time and effort, and of course, Kindness. 

Do you become exasperated when asked to repeat something? Has sarcasm crept into your vocabulary? Are you harboring a “Do it yourself” attitude instead of servant’s heart? Must you always prove you are right? Do you often say, “I told you so”? Do you find blame every time something goes wrong? Do you maximize your spouse’s mistakes? 

In Provers 19:13 we read: “A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping” and this goes to the men too. It’s a warning husbands should heed as well. Get busy on those lists and discover how enjoyable and long-lasting a well -maintained marriage can be.

Con amor,

Vero