Weekly Impressions - A Contrast in Feeling

I have “caught” myself expressing my love to my husband more often since I started this series on marriage.  I see this as a good thing.  However, I think I need to find a more constructive way to do it, since my husband has uncomfortably labeled it as “PDA” (public display of affection).  Minor details.

This exercise of thankful things focused on marriage has made it easier for me to catch myself when dwelling on what my husband is doing wrong.  The thankfulness I feel when I dwell on what he’s doing right has put a stark contrast in my mind to the feelings when I dwell on his wrongdoing (or even what is just less convenient for me).  Dwelling on the bad is born of self-focus, or self-interest, if you will.  Dwelling on the good is probably still a bit self-focused, but at least it’s more humble in thankfulness, and I am more likely to seek his good and not just mine.

The starker the contrast, the easier it is to recognize, and thus, easier to choose which way to turn.  I pray that Jesus’ work in me helps me to choose as He would, rather than with only my own interests at heart.  I thank the Lord for His work in me, and pray that I would live as a vessel of His good will, and not my own.