* Orginially posted on November 21, 2013
So last week, we talked about how my husband is a slow cooker and I’m a microwave.
There’s a time and place for both but let me tell you what I’ve learned about slow cookers . . .
They’re often slow in their thoughts because, ahem . . . . They’re wise.
They tend to follow James’ advice: be slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to anger.
Slow-cookers are slow to speak because they understand the power of thought. They don’t want to respond with a knee-jerk reaction that could make a situation worse so they retract a bit, “chew on things” in their heads, and respond when they are likely not as emotional and they’ve had time to really think through the issue at hand.
Last week, something troubling began to whirl in my heart and I started to doubt a few decisions we had made. Decisions that seemed right for us but then the lies started to creep-in and well . . . you probably know how that goes.
It was a Friday night and I’m always tired on Friday nights. Gateway number one: the lies creep in the easiest when we’re tired, friends. Even when we know better, we sometimes give them permission to come on in and have a Coke.
I went to bed feeling the dull ache of a conflicted heart and it greeted me in the morning as well. I prayed that God would show me a way to accept what was troubling me or show me how to be at peace with it.
I stumbled to find my husband, who was working in his office. Before the glow of his computer screen, I shared the contents of my hurting heart.
His response was like a balm over my exposed and raw skin – he spoke the exact truth and reason I needed to hear to work me out of that rut.
When our hearts as spouses are open to each other and we remember we’re human with real human vulnerabilities, then authentic relationship can be had.
Vulnerability leads to authenticity.
Authenticity sets the stage for God to be able to do what only God can do.
An instantaneous wave of relief washed over me and I could more clearly see the issue at hand.
We talked a bit more and I left his office. As I was walking down the hall, I realized another truth:
God speaks to me through my husband. A lot.
He speaks to me through my children and many others but wow . . . He really speaks to me through Jason.
It’s exactly why He created the holy union of marriage – two become one and hopefully, the two are very different. Those two very different parts can create a oneness of balance though admittedly, there are days our vast differences make it feel like we live in entirely different worlds.
I once thought our slow-cooker and microwave selves were just another way we are so very different. And it is.
But as I walked down the hallway, I muttered a praise for the differences I once resented.
I am learning from both Him and him.
What do you appreciate about your significant other (or the person closest to you)?
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dear sweet niece, this hit the nail on the head!!! you truly nailed a huge marriage truth and i could not be prouder of you. after 34 years with your loving uncle ken, i can “feel the love” you described with jason and it is AMAZING!!! it always makes me sing: “HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD, SING WITH ME , HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD, THAT ALL WOULD SEE, HOW GREAT, HOW GREAT , IS OUR GOD.” AMEN. In His unfailing love, aunt nancysue xoxoxo
This is such a blessing, Natalie and it is wonderful that you know that.