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Life got a little more complicated this week. When I first started my diet, my husband was fine with my cooking low sodium meals and then added his own seasoning, but after the first week came the hints.
“This would be better if it was cooked with salt.”
He came home from the market with salted butter, salted
popcorn, and salted ingredients for every meal on our menu.
At first, I was angry. I didn’t yell or say much, but again
my body language said enough. After anger came the tears. It’s hard enough to
adjust to this new lifestyle and without my husband’s support, it will be even harder.
To comply with his request for salted foods, I’d have to fix
two meals every night and wash double the dishes. (I’m the chief cook and
dishwasher.)
Well, God let me know what He thought about my attitude.
I opened Our Daily Bread the next morning and found
this: Love That Forgives.
Uh oh.
“Bear with each other and forgive each other.” Colossians
3:13.
If I had any doubt he meant my marriage, the next paragraph
settled that. The author told the story of a couple who have been married for
eighty years. When asked what the most important aspect was for staying together
that long, they replied, “Choosing forgiveness.”
The reading listed the different ways we hurt each other through unkind words, a broken promise or forgotten task.
St. Paul urges us to choose compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience when dealing with each other. I had failed every one. He pounded it into my stubborn brain again with the words, “But above all, these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection.” This is especially important for a healthy relationship.
My husband is addicted to both salt and sugar. Is it fair of
me to expect him to restrict his diet the same as mine? He’s not demanding I
eat the same things, only cook two different meals. While I want to huff and
sputter, God told me his opinion on the matter. So, with prayer, I’ll forgive
what I perceive as a disregard for my health issue, and focus instead on all
the things that are right with my relationship.
My husband is kind, affectionate, responsible, romantic, fun
to be with, and supportive in many ways. He’s my best friend. Flawed, yes.
But so am I. And yet, we are also perfect for one another.
After further reflection, my husband offered a compromise. Instead
of cooking two different meals, he’d mix salt into his portion of the low
sodium dish rather than sprinkling it on top. He believes this will give him
the flavor he’s used to without compromising my diet.
Dear Lord, thank you, again, for showing me the errors of
my thoughts and actions, giving me the chance to rectify them before they do
more damage. Amen.
Choosing to forgive got me through a very rough period last year. conscious choice and God's help make forgiveness possible.
ReplyDeleteI imagine you did have a lot of forgiving to do with all you had going on. God is there with us if, like you said, we ask and accept it. Hugs!
DeleteYou're a better woman than I. LOL
ReplyDeleteHa ha I doubt that.
DeleteI pray God shows me the error of my thoughts and actions in my marriage.
ReplyDeleteI didn't ask and still got called on the carpet. You may not need it. If you do, I'm sure he will give you guidance if you ask. God Bless
DeleteI have had to pray for patience, grace, added strength and energy this past two months, my husband who is a diabetic on insulin has become quite ill and weak, his heart has become enlarged, his legs swelled up hard, turned purple, and he is having a hard time with his breathing, until this past week he was unable to sleep laying down because he could not breathe and a couple of times I thought I was going to lose him.
ReplyDeleteI have had to take on heavy jobs I would not normally have to do. Added to that we have had two months of hassles from outside forces that have tested me to my limit especially yesterday.
We are both in our 80's so it is hard on us both, but we both love the Lord and each other and have people around the world praying for us both.
Jim is still waiting for an appointment for another extensive electrocardiogram and also for a sleep apnoea test, the NHS being under pressure and in chaos it is taking longer than it should. ,
Jackie, my heart goes out to you. That's a lot of scary things to deal with. Keeping you in my prayers his appointments come quickly, and the tests offer solutions to his health problems. God hold you close, always.
DeleteThank you Cecilia, still waiting for that appointment, the Doctor is furious, he marked it Urgent, and nothing has taken place. Jim saw a second Doctor Friday 10th and he told him his heart is 'damaged' and they are worried about his kidneys, he needs the Scan so they can plan treatment. The second Doctor also told him it could be 'end time' for him. Hoping he will be contacted this week and something will be done.
DeleteOh Jackie, I'm so sorry you are still waiting for an appointment. Still offering prayers for you and your husband. God bless and heal you both. Amen.
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