March 2019
Small Change, Big Results
The power of expressing gratitude
by Crystal
I just wanted to write to let you know how Susan Miller's blog post, Sharing Two Hearts, and reading her dear husband's honest perspective of moving really ministered to me. After reading it, I felt the Lord leading me to begin journaling each day about my husband's attributes and the things he does each day to bless me and our family.
You see, I had gotten into the rut of grumbling and complaining to my husband.
It's been stressful being so far away from my older daughters and grandchildren. This last year, Kevin has experienced a high level of stress in his job, and would bring it home with him at the end of the day. The more I felt overlooked, the more I nagged and pointed out his short-comings. This fills my heart with such sorrow that I allowed myself to get to that level of unChrist-like behavior with my beloved.
After reading the blog earlier this month, I opened up my notebook in my phone (knowing I'd always have it with me and had no excuse to skip a day) and thought to myself, "Surely, I can come up with at least 3 things Kevin does each day to bless me." Well, I wrote down 18!!!
Then, I felt the Lord impress upon me to text this list to Kevin. Since I wake up before my husband each morning, I knew my text would be the very first thing he read when he woke up. After reading my text, he was so touched that he came downstairs and gave me the biggest hug and kiss!
That was Feb 5th, and I have continued this habit every single morning since then (writing down his attributes and then texting my list to him) and it is already positively impacting our marriage!
I set my heart to focus on his good qualities and all the great things he does for our family- big and small. This change in focus to being Kevin's cheerleader causes me to be so grateful for him and has deepened my love and devotion to him. My spoken words to him now are positive and full of grace. I desire to find ways to brighten his day so that he knows that his hard work and devotion to God are seen and appreciated.
The change is evident in Kevin, too! He is more attentive to the kids and I and, as much as he is able, he sets work aside when he gets home so that he can be present with us. He smiles more, jokes more, and his whole countenance is much happier!!
One last blessing that I've just gotta share - Kevin and I take nightly walks together. Before, they were often a time where we would vent to each other, but this too has been impacted! Our walks are now a time where we do still discuss issues that we need to work out (travel plans, work schedules, family matters, etc.), yet it's also a time we use to build each other up and cheer each other on!
It's amazing how situations seem more easily surmounted when you both realize you're on the same team, working together knowing that God's got this!
Susan Miller, thank you for being such a bright and shining light for Christ and for your ministry to families!
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