Marital Moments Issue 32 - Fresh

There are a few words that I have been contemplating this past week. Among them, the word, "fresh." Merriam Webster defines the word this way:

1 a: having its original qualities unimpaired: as (1): full of or renewed in vigor : refreshed fresh from a good night's sleep> (2): not stale, sour, or decayed <fresh bread> (3): not faded fresh in her memory> (4): not worn or rumpled fresh white shirt> b: not altered by processing <fresh vegetables>

When we moved into this house the previous owners had just installed fresh carpet. It was wonderful knowing that there were no "mystery spots," stains, snags or holes to worry about. Even the padding was fresh and squished luxuriously beneath us. However, over the years with three children and a cat...our carpet seems anything BUT fresh; what was once soft and inviting has become hardened.

I can often be found on my knees "spot cleaning" areas. Trying to avoid the inevitable; having our carpets professionally cleaned. Oh how I long for my carpets to be "fresh" once again.

Anyone longing for a refreshed marriage? We often begin our marriages fresh - full of renewed vigor, anticipation and hope. However, through the years we can feel worn, soured, and even rumpled!

We may be (or need to be) found on our knees working through some of the stains and mystery spots that are beginning to show through. Some may have employed the professional help of "cleaners." (Christian marriage counselors- which can be amazing tools to opening communication between couples.) Others may be calling all of their friends and relatives seeking advice on how to get that "stubborn spot" out. Yet, at the root of it all, there is only One who is qualified to renew our hearts and minds; and in turn, heal our marriages. It is in getting on our knees and seeking His face that we are able to receive His grace. When we are walking in His grace, it naturally flows through us to those that we love.

A couple of things that aide me while I am "cleaning:" worship music (helps me to keep my mind fixed on Him) and "cleaning buddies." (Those who I can talk openly about my own stains with; friends who will commit to praying with and for me and keep me accountable.)

I have come to embrace Mondays. They are my mental beginning to a "fresh week." Sundays are often my time of renewing and cleansing from the previous week...Mondays are when walking "in the fresh" begins.

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

James 5:16 "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Anyone need a cleaning buddy?

II Corinthians 12:9 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Embrace the freshness of each day this week. Let go of your own faults and failures and allow His grace to flow through you to your spouse.

Blessings!

Shanda