February's Shoes (one size fits all)

 Could you imagine a one size fits all shoe? Yeah, me either. At least not if its made from man made materials. Or what about a shoe that fits every occasion? Is there such a thing? Not really, though some of us probably could do with fewer shoes than we have in our possession, it is wonderful to have shoes that fit the activity and outfit.

This being the month of February upon us, and that means the Valentines holiday, I thought I would write about something I heard being discussed on a program. Honestly I don't know which one it was or even who the speaker was or I would give them due credit. The topic was marriage. You would think after 34 years of marriage I would have heard all I needed to know about the relationship wouldn't you? And especially from someone YOUNGER than me. (Pride you may lower your ugly head!)

 I have also lived long enough, and Marty and I have been married long enough, to know not every day is a happily ever after day. Some days are just ordinary days. Some days are the kind that make you wonder if you will ever get merging your life with the person you have committed yourself to, until death do us part, right. Some days you feel the bliss of contentment with your marriage, and some days you choose contentment. So.....

 On to what the speaker was saying. She said we should be giving our spouse one compliment a day. Intentionally. I do not remember if there were statistics involved about what kind of difference this makes, but the challenge stuck with me.

What would life be like if I gave my husband a compliment a day? Every day. You know, looked for the good. Not default to the things that I might dwell on due to my tendency to get offended or just irritated and hide myself away, snapping and snarling at him if he comes close to my hide away. Or putting an Ice Wall up to further prevent communication. I don't think I am as bad as all that sounds, at least not for the most part.

Oh, not that the sinful nature of me might not bring it to the brink and if not for the grace of God manifest itself at times...But do I tend to dwell on the negative. I am kind of that way. Except not so much in any relationship but my marriage. Hmmmm. Why would I be gracious and encouraging to those who have not invested so many years of their life in mine, then not give that much and more to one who has? Even if I don't like everything that has transpired in our entire history together.

Why am I keeping a record of wrongs? Who ever gave me that right? And gosh do I want someone keeping a record of MINE to quickly page through and find the appropriate thing to hold a magnifying glass over to remind me of? Why no, I do not.

Just what would happen if I take the challenge I am challenging us all with now? I am about to find out and in less than 30 days (because this is the short month...the one that brings the bill cycle around more quickly than the others but I guess also the pay check)

So lets do this thing! Are you on board? If you are not married, what about complimenting your kids, or co-worker or parent. You get it. I will check in with you and you check in with me and see how we are doing. We are slipping on our walking in love shoes this month and truly one size does fit all. Remember one deliberate compliment a day starting today. Let's get started...