I mentioned that JJ returned from his hunting trip a new man, one that had been rejuvenated and committed to our marriage more intensely than ever.
As so often how God works, this week I am focusing on Colossians 3:14. Don’t you think He’s kind of funny sometimes? A week in which we are starting to really focus on our marriage, God brings this verse to the forefront of my mind.
I cling to Him often – I don’t know any other way to do life. But the next person I cling to? JJ.
I mess up alot; he does, too (though he’ll tell you he doesn’t in the silly kind of way that makes him who he is). I say things I shouldn’t; he does, too. We revert back to the selfish beings we were when we were eight years old. We raise our voices. We stomp and slam. We are silent.
Yet at the same time, we laugh. A lot. We reminisce about music, our alma mater (where we didn’t know each other), our early dating life. We talk about our kids. We sit on the front porch or in front of a cozy fire. Some days I feel that he knows me more intimately and deeply than anyone else while on other days, I feel like he doesn’t know me at all.
Welcome to marriage – where we live in a constant state of grace.
To read Colossians 3:14, it really does sound so simple, doesn’t it? Put on love – which binds them all (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience – 3:12) together in perfect unity.
What’s so hard about putting on love?
It’s a conscious choice to “put-on” love when the oldest is crying for the third time that morning for no apparent reason – and it’s only 8:15 a.m. It’s a conscious choice to “put-on” love when the milk spills yet again. When siblings fight. When shoes can’t be found and we are already late.
It sounds good to “put-on love” but the reality is, well…reality.
Putting on love is not something I naturally slip into like my leggings, sweater and Uggs that have become my standard uniform. It’s more like the conscious choice I make for myself because I know it’s the right thing to do; because I know it’s good for others, yes, but mostly good for me.
It reminds me of the dreaded hat season quickly approaching us. When it’s time to wear hats, all Snapp children attempt to revolt – we dislike hats immensely. They make our head itch. They give us static electricity in our fine, little girl hair. They fall over our eyes. We don’t like to wear them yet we know we must for they keep us warm during the most frigid of days.
We put on love in much the same way – we don’t necessarily always want to do so but yet we know we must for it’s so very good for us.
Not to mention that it keeps us warm on the most frigid of days.
Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends. I love each of you. I really do. I know this sounds a little Tammy Faye-ish, but I’m just being honest. I’m thankful for each of you – you who force me to grow, you who follow Him, you who share your hearts with me. I am so blessed by you. May your holiday be peaceful and relaxing. I’ll see you on Monday.
For more Word Filled Wednesday, head on over to Internet Cafe Devotions!
What an excellent post. This is something I’m actually struggling with in my relationship with one of my kids. I need this!
.-= debbie´s last blog ..Helping You Find The Practical Gifts For The Year =-.
Ah, amen. It carries over to so many relationships, doesn’t it?
Debbie, you are a gem. I love your hysterical blog and while I don’t get to visit as often as I would like, I am humbled that a blogger such as yourself would even read a word I write.
May your Thanksgiving be clothed in love…:)
Good stuff Natalie! I love the hat analogy. I will work on putting on my love “hat”. Happy Thanksgiving to you too my friend.
Yep, I’m trying to remember to put my hat on as well. Some days I forget, other days I do OK. Such is life, right?
Happy Thanksgiving, sweet friend!
Natalie. JJ and all the Snapp Clan, have a blessed Thanksgiving where ever your travels may take you. Love from, The ” Older” Snapp Clan! LOL
We are going to my mom’s – just an hour away. Wish we were in the mountains with you though.
Love to the “older” and definitely wiser Snapps!
Oh, yes, this reminds me of MckMama’s post of “Fake it”. Sometimes you have to fake acts of love to get you back into the groove of feeling it. You know, like the Love Dare, when you do kind things for your spouse even when (or especially when) you don’t feel like it.
Marriage is so hard. But it’s also so rewarding. I feel like I should put this Bible verse on my mirror, so when I “put on” my makeup, I will be reminded to “put on” love, as well. Thanks, Natalie!
Have a blessed holiday!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..In which Gabe teaches me a lesson =-.
Well, I will need to check that out – I love her!
Good idea – I need to put this one on my mirror, too. Do you think it’s funny that when I typed “good idea” I first typed “god idea”? Nah. It’s how He rolls.
Happy Thanksgiving sweet Heather. I cherish you.
Would you even consider going to the Relevant Conference? I think you would love it and I would love to hug you in person. :)
So creative. Happy WFW and Thanksgiving!
.-= Ginger´s last blog ..The Real Easy Button =-.
I absolutely LOVE this picture of you two. I hope it’s framed somewhere in your house.
Yes, God is funny, isn’t he? Seems to be spreading His “comdedy tour” around a bit.
Happy Thanksgiving my sweet friend
We just got it back and yes, I will be framing it. Likely with this verse.
Glad you are enjoying the tour – someday we will all laugh about it together in eternity, right?
Wish I were across the table from you as well…:)
Happy Thanksgiving, love.
loving is a choice, so true! Have a fantastic day of thanksgiving.
.-= marlece´s last blog ..A BIG EVENT! =-.
Love this verse and your analogy. I, also, plan on putting on love as I join my sons, ex and his wife for a Thanksgiving dinner for the first time. Putting on love, putting on love, putting on love….that will be the phrase I repeat as I walk up to their house. I can do this, if nothing else, for the sake of my sons not having to travel to different locations on a holiday to enjoy their parents……putting on love!
Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you and yours Miss Natalie!
Hugs,
Lana
You continue to be a portrait of grace, Lana. Audrey Hepburn ain’t got nothin’ on you, girl. Seriously. You inspire me.
I love you, my sweet Lana. I miss you and don’t get to see you very often but please know that I count my lucky stars that God has intersected our lives. I’m so thankful for you.
I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow, Jackie O.
Such a good post. And my favorite line: Welcome to marriage – where we live in a constant state of grace.
Amen to that!
Happy Thanksgiving.
Well we do, don’t we? I have to repeat that word several times a day and I know my husband does as well…:)
Words I truly needed to hear. Thank you.
.-= Deborah´s last blog ..Simply Love =-.
As usual, a awesome post! And, great picture! So glad that I have connected with you through our blogs. I always receive a blessing when I stop by. Blessings for a beautiful Thanksgiving with you famly!
.-= Lea Culp´s last blog ..A B Cs of Thanks =-.
This is a great post!!
.-= Toia´s last blog ..Thanksgiving Post 15 and Thankful Thursday =-.
I love this! Love it definately an itchy, old, too tight, scratchy sweater for me sometimes, and I will do all I cant to avoid putting it on. But…alas when I do…God makes it fit perfectly and takes away the itchyness :) This is an awesome post :) Thank you!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Right now- Daddy =-.