Today we’re onto chapter five in our book club for The Virtuous Life of a Christ-Centered Wife: 18 Powerful Lessons for Personal Growth. Today’s chapter is on the virtue of trust. More info on the book club is found underneath the post. (View table of contents here.)
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Over the weekend I attended The Great Homeschool Convention in South Carolina with my daughter Madison. Within hours of our departure, my husband and our boys had two flat screen TVs set up side-by-side in the living room along with two X-boxes.
When mom’s away, the mice will play. And from what I understand, the mice enjoyed a little bonding time with dad while I was gone.
Madison and I were bonding too, over Salsa and chips at Don Pablo’s. Turns out that this fabulous restaurant was adjacent to our hotel, which was perfect for us since we live for Mexican food!
It’s nice to enjoy a little getaway from the everyday especially when warm temperatures and cool salsa are on the menu. But at the end of the day, one truth remains – there’s no place like home. Nothing feels as comfortable as my own bed, and nothing says “home” like the arms of my husband.
It felt good to be back in his arms, and to embrace the boys in my own.
What I love about Michael, and I know that he loves about me, is the fact that we can trust each other any time we’re apart. How do I know I can trust him? Because I’ve seen the passion he has toward building our marriage, in the same way that he has seen mine.
Over the years we’ve had to build trust, and when all trust was gone, we built it again–ensuring each brick was laid solid and sure.
Here are five of the ways Michael and I build trust in our marriage:
1. We are accountable to each other – We respect each others privacy, but at same time we don’t have secret passwords or accounts that the other can’t access. It’s my way of being accountable to Michael and vice versa. This isn’t something we’ve ever asked of each other–we automatically did it out of love and respect.
2. We don’t flirt – Some people might think that a little flirting is harmless, but then again, so is playing with matches. Just as one spark can set a forest on fire, our actions can quickly ignite an emotional or physical affair.
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! – James 3:5
3. We are evidently passionate – Both of us are dedicated to working on our marriage. It’s not only evident in the things that we say to each other. More importantly it’s a day-by-day demonstration of humility, such as letting go of our anger, apologizing quickly, speaking highly of each other, and showing respect.
4. We take responsibility of our actions – One of the most important steps in building or rebuilding trust is that you must take ownership of your sin. If you have done things that are detrimental to your marriage, true repentance comes before anything else.
5. We’re deeply empathetic – When Michael comes to me with a burden, he’s not looking for a solution from me–he’s looking for a place of refuge. A sympathetic ear, and patient understanding go a long way in reviving a weary heart. I try, and I try, and when I fail I try again… to understand the heart of my husband and to be his safe place to land.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. – Proverbs 31:11
You are loved by an Almighty God,
Darlene
Let’s discuss chapter 6 on Friday!
What are some of the thoughts that you have on chapter five? What are your thoughts on trust? Please leave a comment below! (subscribers click through to the blog)
Find out more about the book here. Feel free to jump in to the book club with us at anytime. If we’re a few chapters ahead of you–that’s okay because you can get to those anytime.
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Rather than trying to fix your husband or solve his problems, try to be understanding with him. Try to listen to him and to empathize with his heart.
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